Something Borrowed, Something Blue: Can Clothing Redeem the TSA?
I went to National Airport in DC this week to do a story for Time.com about the new TSA screener uniforms. I came away very mixed about the new look. On the one hand, if the screeners look more professional, they will probably act more professionally, and passengers will treat them better, leading to a magical, positive feedback loop.
On the other hand, making screeners, the face of homeland security, look more militaristic does not necessarily feel like progress. In other countries, the airport security staff wear tailored suits and ties. They look like Men in Black, not cops. There are lots of clever ways to do this, and I’m not sure more rent-a-cop outfits are going to get us there. But check out the photo or report back from your travels, and let me know what you think.
Max D. said on June 19, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I read your TIME article online and liked it so much I blogged about it, then came here, and now I’m hooked. Good stuff.
I don’t know who picked that color, but I’ll bet they didn’t have an employee focus group about it first. From a traveler’s POV, I don’t care what they look like. TSA is a monumentally wasteful piece of Potemkin security and a major hassle. Dress them up like Oompa-Loompas for all I care; it’s not going to make the process any more pleasant, or flying any safer. It’s just more window dressing.
Stephen J. Heavey said on June 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Obviously, there are situations where the clothes make the person. Having said that, in the end, actions speak louder than anything else. TSA screeners need to do a good job, and travlers need to cut them a bit of slack, given their unenviable task.
Jay Reeder said on June 21, 2008 at 11:04 am
I first heard you on the Diane Rehm show, which definitely piqued my interest in your book; when John Robb then mentioned you had a blog, I just had to visit.
I agree entirely that the more militaristic look is a simply awful idea. We shouldn’t be trying to make airports look and feel *more* like military checkpoints.
We used to joke about the uniformed goons who searched and harassed travelers in authoritarian countries. And “papers, please” was a cliche phrase only the bad guys ever used. Now, it seems that we’re trying to beat the past masters at their own game.
Amanda said on June 22, 2008 at 1:43 pm
It seems like we all agree that actions matter more than appearances. I suspect passengers in general will concur on this.
I wonder if we could all agree on what is an acceptable level of risk. In other words, if passengers voted, would we be willing to allow a slightly higher risk of a bombing in exchange for keeping our shoes on? I don’t know, but it would be cool to be asked.
Passengers will happily put up with quite a bit if they are enrolled in the process—and if the process seems reasonable. And I can promise you that such a poll would cost less than the new uniforms.
I like the Oompa Loompa proposal, Max. We could write a musical!
Brian said on June 28, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Looks fascist to me, not safer. I liked the white shirts better.
Leogreen said on July 28, 2008 at 5:34 am
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Tent said on January 21, 2009 at 11:22 am
I believe they should look professional I would not want someone with a t-shirt and sweat pants. I think they they picked the color blue because it is shown to bring a calming effect,
RaiulBaztepo said on March 28, 2009 at 6:37 pm
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Your, Raiul Baztepo
Katy said on May 13, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Great Post..I think the uniform looks sorta “soft”. Anyhoo….good post.
Welders said on October 24, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I am new to this site and thanks for such a great article.
Juliette said on November 10, 2010 at 10:03 am
As long as a man is in uniform it’s all good.
avi to mp4 said on February 06, 2011 at 10:58 am
I am just new to your website and just spent about 2 hour lurking and reading. I think I will frequent your site from now on after going through some of your posts. I will definitely learn a lot from them.
Ryan said on February 07, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I really don’t mind the new uniforms. I realize they look ‘cop-like’, but I truly think that is a good sign. Uniforms such as these show order and seriousness compared to tailored suits which give off more of a business approach. Overall, we are looking for security and protection, and I feel these uniforms show both.
Matt said on February 07, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I do not like this uniform at all. You’re right, it looks like something a rent-a-cop would wear. The ‘men in black’ idea would keep people in check and possibly in fear to do something wrong. The suits are much more intimidating and would set a firm system.
seo wokingham said on May 26, 2011 at 5:47 am
I want to redeem the TSA but it is not possible !
ScotWetherington said on January 26, 2012 at 12:26 am
Very informative and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.