[nky]

to judge a man by the company he keeps or by the color of their skin or by the content of their character

[Hoot Gibson]

to judge a man by the company he keeps or by the color of their skin or by the content of their character

Yes. No. Yes.

If a person frequently keeps company with communists, socialists, and terrorists, then it is fair to assume that he or she shares many of his associates' beliefs. What really counts is the content of a person's character, but nobody can precisely determine the content of another's character. The the company one keeps is usually a pretty good indicator but actions are the best indicator of another person's character.

Skin color is useless as an indicator of a person's character. Words are almost as useless, particularly when trying to judge a politician's worth.

[nky]

Character is so hard to judge especially when you look at a politician. See John Edwards and the story that is emerging with him. More and more we need to look who they call friends and advisors- I guess.

[Harry Rex Vonner]

I have learned that fairness (whatever that really means) is rarely a part of the equation. It would be nice to run the world on fairness but, alas, whose definition of fairness would we use?

[Beetle01]

You can usually get a good look at someones character by looking at the people they associate with.

[nky]

I have learned that fairness (whatever that really means) is rarely a part of the equation. It would be nice to run the world on fairness but, alas, whose definition of fairness would we use?

But shouldn't we strive to be free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice? Instead of the Machiavellian approach.

[Stardust]

^ I'd like to, but circumstances dictate our actions. Not sure where you are going with this, but is it fair to profile? Isn't profiling what you are talking about. Sorry if everytime I get on a plane and I see someone of middle-eastern culture, that I don't profile! I will for the rest of my life.

[Hoot Gibson]

^ I'd like to, but circumstances dictate our actions. Not sure where you are going with this, but is it fair to profile? Isn't profiling what you are talking about. Sorry if everytime I get on a plane and I see someone of middle-eastern culture, that I don't profile! I will for the rest of my life.

I was thinking in more general terms when I responded to the OP. You raised some valid points that apply to situations where we feel threatened.

I believe that profiling is appropriate as a survival tool. Dress, nationality, language, accent, and in some cases race are all appropriate factors to use for initial threat assessment but behavior is the most important tool.

It has been said many times before, but not al Muslims are terrorists, but most modern terrorists are Muslims. Pretending that native born Americans boarding planes in the US represent the same potential threat that Muslims from the Middle East, Somalia, Indonesia, etc. present is just plain stupid.

It is fair to use profiling as part of the screening process that determines who may board a plane, although it is obviously an inconvenience to the majority of Muslims who are not terrorists threats.

It is also fair, when a serial killer is being sought for a string of murders to focus on white males, even though some serial killers have been non-white and non-male.

[Stardust]

^ Very good post Hoot

[Harry Rex Vonner]

But shouldn't we strive to be free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice? Instead of the Machiavellian approach.

While I would agree that striving for those ends is admirable the reality is that it cannot be reality.

If you are referring to profiling, I disagree with you. History is such that all cannot be treated in the same manner in a given situation. Like it or not, we have a good idea of just who is and isn't more likely to be a terrorist. We have a duty to protect the masses as best we can do so.

[TheRealVille]

^ I'd like to, but circumstances dictate our actions. Not sure where you are going with this, but is it fair to profile? Isn't profiling what you are talking about. Sorry if everytime I get on a plane and I see someone of middle-eastern culture, that I don't profile! I will for the rest of my life.

It is sad for me to say, as I very much pride myself on not being racist, but on a plane, I do get nervous when I see someone from the middle east on the same plane.

[Hoot Gibson]

It is sad for me to say, as I very much pride myself on not being racist, but on a plane, I do get nervous when I see someone from the middle east on the same plane.

There is nothing sad about it. Do you think that travelers from the Middle East who are not terrorists are more worried about you being on the plane with them or fellow Middle Easterners who they do not know?

[TheRealVille]

There is nothing sad about it. Do you think that travelers from the Middle East who are not terrorists are more worried about you being on the plane with them or fellow Middle Easterners who they do not know?

I'm sure the "good" middle easterners get just as nervous as me.

[Stardust]

I'm sure the "good" middle easterners get just as nervous as me.

Yes they do.

Israeli's have been using profiling for many years. No terrorist activities on their flights!

[thecavemaster]

You can usually get a good look at someones character by looking at the people they associate with.

Yet this is a slippery slope... as Jesus of Nazareth was gaged a drunkard, a glutton, and a crazy man based on a lot of this outward appearances peasant wisdom judging. Then again, you did say "usually." "Do not judge based on outward appearances...look to the inward heart and make a right judgement."

[Old School]

to judge a man by the company he keeps or by the color of their skin or by the content of their character

I don't think anyone should soley judge a person by the company he keeps, but I think it could be used as a good indicator.

No person should ever be judged by the color of their skin.

I think a person should be judged on their overall character, and not on any specific error that they made.