A "Dr. Phil" Producer Shares Her Experience with Perceived Bias

[Drugstorejunkie94]

two places EVERYONE hates...the airport and dmv...lol

[hinatafan1001]

In this particular case I believe there MAY have been some racial profiling but in this day and age where terrorists run about and other such people, you can never be too careful. These men may have had a particular person they were looking for and she fit the profile or perhaps she just seemed a bit odd, I don't know I wasn't there, but in most situations it has nothing to do with race, people just pull that card as a scapegoat. And it's not just black people it's EVERYONE.

[Ylokau]

Owww GOD I hate it when black people feel discriminated all the time when they're not! Grow up, and If you feel harassed file a complaint. At the place you can file it...After 911 people of all sorts & sizes & races are "discriminated" a lot more at airports. Including me and I'm caucasian and living in europe... So please grow some balls...And eventhough she allready left the plane and allready retrieved her luggage they are entiteld to search anyone who acts suspicious to them welcome in 2011

[gamer4life789]

aaaaansteller ben jij zeg omdat je zwart bent ben je gelijk gediscrimineerd omdat je op het vliegveld word aan gehouden om je tassen te laten door zoeken groeie op man heb je aandacht te kort ofzo whaha

serieus groei oop

[zigyzigy13]

Paranoid 

[42utubegal]

I just watched the 2nd airing of the program, & I don't believe Astra was beeing too sensitive. She had already been on the plane, had completed her flight & was retrieving her luggage. What's the point of being searched at the carousel? I am a black woman that does NOT work for Dr. Phil so, what would've happened to me? It sounds like racial profiling in it's ugliest form & a blatant abuse of power. I have lived in Chicago all of my life & have witnessed all sorts of discrimination.

[StayInMyCorner]

@The Linedhead67 The fact that she went on national television and youTube with her complaint, and its been over a year ago that this happened according to the upload date and as of yet none of these so called detectives, nor anyone from the airport has come forward to challenge her complaint, speaks volumes very loudly might I add, that she was singled out and a was victim of racial profiling, or just plain old racism! They probably weren't who they said they were. What proof did she have?

[2993Jaz]

I don't think you were being too sensitive. I've never heard of security checking your bags at baggage claim.

[TheLilredhead67]

She should read the book behind her titled "Grow Up". I am so sick of everything being about race. I get pulled out of line to have extra searches, because that is what has to happen now, because of past issues. Get over it already. I don't think you are telling the full story either, you are telling it from your prospective. Get the agents on here to tell their side and I bet things would seem different.

[gogreenenergystar]

I do not believe was Astra was being sensitive at all. I travel about 15-25 times a year and I have NEVER been asked at baggage claimed to search my bags. There is absolutely no reason they should have asked you to check bags at that time. The individuals who felt that you were being sensitive didn’t listen to your situation. Also, you were not being rude on the show at all, on the other hand, Shirley was very rude and disrespectful. I think you handled yourself in an appropriate manner.

[DDD12398]

Astra, I am amazed that so many people did not understand what you were saying, black, white or otherwise. The odd part of your experience was that YOU WERE EXITING THE AIRPORT AND WERE AT THE BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA. I have NEVER heard of this before and do not believe that is protocol for any airport. A DETECTIVE? That was strange. I do believe you were racially profiled and you do not need to ask if "your feelings were justified?" Feelings are feelings. You were profiled!

[Atimix1]

you are a retard...pull the race card? really? dumb women :l

[NikitaSamuelle0]

You know, the one thing that almost EVERYONE here is missing, is the fact that she WASN'T going thru security! She had already landed at her destination!! She was retrieving her luggage from the baggage claim area!!!!! Since when do they search luggage AFTER you've landed???

[summertigr]

Astra grow up!!!!!!!

[benellylove]

Astra tehy are racists ,I am Hispanic and when they hear my accent this people lawys look at me differently,I was stop beacuse I have a small tiny botle of a expensive perfue(a gift) and they search me like I was a terrorist ,gladly my son in law was near me and he took the perfume back to his house ,but I was terrify ...and always still when they hear my accent they look at me different ,yes they ar a bunch of racists !the woman who said you are too sensitive glad for her I don't believe her,

[nygiants10]

I'm sure nobody would want to go through a situation like Astra's. However, I really hope that "this is racist!!!" wasn't the first thing that popped into her head. Did she ever consider that she just so happened to be randomly searched? Maybe there was an object in her bag that the x-ray could not identify and they needed to go back and do a closer look. Who knows? But if she thinks that the only reason for this incident was because of race, then she may be too sensitive.

[gogreenenergystar]

@nygiants10 She arrived at her destination, getting her bags from the baggage claim. No serch needed at that point, she's on her way home unless they thought she was a drug courier.

[goboy109]

nigger!!!!

[faceman68]

There may be a case that you may be overreacting to the situation, however, Astra, you have every right to feel the that you feel, right or wrong. I mean the woman, named Shirlee, nor anyone else should tell you that you need to grow up in the way that you feel. I think that Shirlee is entitled to your opinion, but I think that she was out of line, in saying that you need to grow up.

[2ndLtHavoc]

this is pathetic

[ladyg0726]

The one problem that I have with the Patriot Act is that it gives absolute power to absolute fools. Oftentimes, someone drunk with power knowing that picking on minorities will go unpunished chooses to exercise their racism and racist perceptions. These persons themselves are on the lower rung of their own race and feel the need to belong and be better than by any means necessary, inclusive of bullying, harassment of others in races they feel wield no power.

[tlc26163]

If this had happened before you were getting on a flight I wud say that you were too sensitive. But for a search to happen like that after you had already flown, and was just leaving, I would say something was diffinately wrong. I mean these security people basically pick and choose who they want to search based on whatever. I never heard of gettin searched once you have already landed and the bags coming off plane... why wud they search then???

[sgtkevg]

Hi astra, im sorry that happened and just wanted to tell you that your beutiful...

[kimforster]

I think your way over sensitive. They sound like they did EXACTLY what our Aus customs do & they do it with everyone!! It's standard procedure. It isn't standard procedure in your own country?? Why do people have to go way over board with crying wolf like this? For god sake, get on with your life. It doesn't just happen to you or black people!

[rsgreat]

maybe they were looking for a person.

[Runajenta]

I don't think it happened to you because you are black... it could have happened to anyone. I am white, and that has happened to me too. I understand why you felt like that, but maybe they saw something on the monitor, and they had to take a closer look at it, and then they didin't see anything...

[rvcasa]

(while travelling alone) I have experienced the same bias racism at world major airports... at least 4-6 times!

I am mediterranean and although my skin is not as dark as my siblings, I still 'get attention' after luggage pick ups at the airports around the world.

(once, after revealing my origins, an English woman even told me "you look from the far East". - She did witness my luggage being search at the airport and later we sat on the same underground train at Heathrow)

[rvcasa]

The same happens every time I arrive at an Australian airport while travelling alone...

(being mediterranean, I usually stand out from the crowd)

Once, I was fed up with this I've asked my, (Australian) wife who was stravelling with me this time, to walk in front of me and handle the passports to security while I would carry our son and walked right behind her.

I saw the policeman stepping back and checked me out.

And for the very first time my luggage was not searched!!

[rvcasa]

In my opinion, racism should be a thing of the past and no longer exist, unfortunately it still exists and I've had many other racism related to prove just that.

There are still people out there, in this world, that think these type of circumstance do not (or should not) exist but the reality is; RACISM STILL EXISTS

[blade004]

I am white Australian and i was pulled aside where i was scanned and had my bags searched whilst in America in 2003, but that did not phase me one little bit.

Your mind will jump to the nearest possibility Astra for what happened but that does not mean that your interpretation is the reality of the situation. If i was working at that Airport i probably would have stopped you as well, not because you are black but because you extremely attractive ;) I also would have asked you out on a date :)

[askcomputerbill]

My problem is not with racial bias. As long as there is media there will be racial perceptions expressed. You can look at any disney cartoon or the news and you will see it. What I do have a problem with is when "law enforcement" trumps our inalienable rights to dignity and respect! Our security can be safeguarded without demeaning and bullying tactics. What Astra felt is what anyone would feel when they are backed into a situation and "TOLD" you must comply. That is no longer a free America.

[VeroCG77]

How can they know that those bags belong t o and African America?

Maybe too many pieces for a short trip?

May be you did has the right question went approach because your wearer predispose to de skin color thing !!

I do belief that if I think that every person that this likes me is because in Latino I’m the one doping prejudice on my races !!!!

[VeroCG77]

I think that people segregate then self and that if someone those something to you it not necessarily for your skin color people are so touchy about name and labels!! With people get pick on to latin, Italians, chines, al raises have stereo tapes and the people that king reacting to every thing being about color are the one perpetuating this ideas !!! Do you know if there being a report made about bags similar to your??

[VeroCG77]

I do think she is over reacting Is not like they got her from de line in costumes and toll her les go your opening your bags They had targeted the bags and ask the owner of such bags to open them!!I’m from Dominican republic and I finish high school in Minnesota as part of a exchange program AFS and I have to say that I never so myself as a color until some black kids ( African America) ask me what color I was!!

[R0d1lyn]

Racial profiling DOES happen. Those that think it doesn't are ignorant. I have a set of twins that look NOTHING alike. One looks like me, one looks like my ex husband. The son that looks like me has NEVER been pulled over by the police for "nothing". However, my other son who looks black has been pulled over NUMEROUS TIMES by police for NO reason and been sat on the curb and had his car searched. He was NEVER ticketed for any wrongdoing on ANY of the occasions when he was pulled over.

[itsyoutubia1]

I'm a middle aged professional white male. I can tell the EXACT same story. I was at the airport, suddenly surrounded by 4 men (and 1 female) in a threatening manner. They flash a badge, tell me to open my suitcases. In front of everyone they went through my belongings, and as well - told me to lift up my shirt! No one else was being searched then. I was chosen, for whatever reason. Sorry, but this happens to everyone, no matter what color. Get over yourself, you sound ridiculous.

[Vean66]

You have rights, but no sense, at all.

[bar7341]

You are insane. I would prefer to get checked at an airpot to know that my safety is being taken care of. It irritates me that people use the race card so they can get 15 minutes of fame. I was pulled aside before and my bag was searched & things were taken out. I honestly didnt care because this is the kind of world that we live in today & to know that they are taking the extra measures to know that there is nothing in my bag to harm others is fine with me. You're to sensitive to this issue.

[ManuellaAJ]

@bar7341 I think the attitude would have been different if security had approached her before her flight rather than after. There is no question of safety after the bags have already been on the flight.

[charlieup2]

@ManuellaAJ: You make an excellent point of there being no question of security. Based on the information and story related by Astra, it is most likely that she was targeted as a drug courier based on her race, the frequency with which she took flights, and the cities(New York and Los Angeles) to which she flew. Since 9/11 the scourge of racial profiling, as practiced pre-9/11,i.e., targeting blacks-- has lost its edge and profile/visibility, but it remains a hazard of travel for blacks.

[L0C0vision]

The fact that they immediately backed off upon learning that you were a professional working for a well known television show is an indication that they KNEW they were headed down the WRONG path with their thinking - whatever it was. But... I trust that by the time people are adults they have been around long enough to know if they are being subject to discrimination. Once you are off the plane, security should have no issue, unless you are stealing luggage.

[littlepeasant221]

I do think that they randomly pick people out of the crowd, not based on color. It happened to me and I am a Caucasian woman. I was getting ready to board a flight, in line with everyone else. A security guard standing opposite the line of passengers called to me "Ma'am, you need to step over here", my bags were thoroughly searched. I was a bit surprised to hear you took control of the situation by saying you wouldn't do it at the carousel then refused at all. I felt it my obligation to let them

[manonck]

Astra is too sensitive. I'm sick and tired of people of color always blaming racism when they are asked for ID, or anything else. They were raised with the idea that if anything happens to them, it is because of their race. Born in Canada and I don't care if people call me froggy, or canuck, or crackers (because I'm caucasian). I'm not white, white is not a color. When I see people, I do not see colors. I see people. Grow up and stop seeing racism in everything. You are American, nothing else.

[mommybento]

on Dr.Phil show she actually went up to a beautiful elderly black women, who also thought that Astra over reacted...Astra actually took the microphone and walk right over to the women!!!! Why did she have to walk up to her

[faceman68]

@mommybento To be honest, I might have done the same thing. Astra had the right to feel the way she did, and that elderly black women, did not have to tell her to grow up, because Astra felt that. way. I think that the elderly woman named Shirlee, was very insensitve to what Astra felt. Now, for me, there may be a case that Astra could have overreacted to being pulled aside, but I was not there, because I do not fly, however, I respect the fact that she felt that way.

[Atomsk648]

You did NOT overreact. As a future police officer, I can tell they had a bias because of how they were treating you. If it was just a simple random search, there was no reason for them to be aggressive in the way you described. "They can search whoever they want to, do whatever they wanted and I just had to comply." I can tell everything from that. If it was a random search, they would have been nicer and more courteous about it and not stopped the second you said you worked for Dr. Phil.

[OnlineWithVixen]

@Atomsk648 i agree

[kwrigh100]

it is sad to say that some folks still have blinders on until something happens to them. Thank you Astra for exposing some of the things that is happening in the world today

[kwrigh100]

question why would they need to check after the flight, i thought the items were screen prior to flying not after. what would have happened if she did not work for Dr. Phil.

[RediNNevada]

No, I don't think this was racially motivated because they were actually targeting your BAGS, not you. As another poster pointed out, they waited until the bags hit the carousel, then watched to see who was picking them up. The bags could have belonged to anyone. But I also don't think you over-reacted when you refused to do as they said. There might be legitimate reasons for our country to hyper-alert but that doesn't mean we should allow our civil liberties to be abused.

[OnlineWithVixen]

@RediNNevada ARE U STUPID , WHY THEY SINGLED HER OUT NOT OTHERS ??? GROW UP U RACIST

[koko1282]

I think that there were probably several combined factors that made them select Astra as a potential suspect, but yes I definitely think race was one of them. I also think it was her frequent flights between NY and CA. It doesn't matter though. If profiling didn't work, then law enforcement wouldn't use it. Sorry. Also, it's not unreasonable to have your bags searched at an airport. They didn't make her do a strip search, like they have done to many other innocent people.

[maxwellgold]

This is not racial bias..there must be a reason why they singled out your bags. Understand they were waiting to see who grabbed those specific bags or you drew suspicion to herself for some reason..the new TSA screening machines blow quick puff of air which  dislodges solid particles from the passengers skin, hair, and clothing, which the machine then vacuumed up for analysis. Maybe her stuffy nose drew unwanted attention..sniff sniff!!!

[rollieandpaws]

I am sorry but I do not beleive it had any thing to do with race and here is why. I am of Brittish decent with red hair and beleive me they don't come any whiter than me, however I did go through the same experience you did on an occation going upon entering the USA from Canada. Also a friend that I travel with who is also white gets that kind of treatment every time. I am terrible because I tease her and tell her she must look suspisous lol.

[vannahl3abiix3]

You're OVERLY sensitive! I do believe that bias does still exsist in the 21st century... and you're a prime example of just that! If you continue to think that every person is motivated strictly by your race.. then you're being biased yourself. When you view things as WHITE, BLACK, BROWN, etc. then you are adding to the hatred. Your misperception is oddly astonishing to me. Get rid of the myopia & look at all of the contributing factors. PLEASE!!

[xXxArcaneKnightxXx]

She is definately too sensitive, She does'nt know if she fit a description of a criminal loose in the airport. I have been searched many times blond hair blue eyes 5'7 you know how many people fit that basic description

[BrownRecluse28]

I have met Astra Austin not once but twice, when she was filming Disney's Super Soap weekend for ABC. I can tell you that she is extremely intelligent, sweet, and kind...she did everything she could to help my family get great seats for the taping. If she feels that she was racially profiled, I believe her. She comes across as a very honest, caring person. She KNOWS what she is talking about!!!

[ceruleanwarbler]

Astra is NOT too sensitive. Those security guards thought Astra was stealing luggage, something that has happened to me in California. But why did they approach her? Because she was black and well-dressed and looked (to them) as though she was trying to appear legit. Did they check other people taking luggage off the carousel? Probably not.

[ShannonMcCrary]

OMG!!!! GET OVER IT!!!!! im a 18 year old white male I travel a lot.... and i have had that happen to me too so shut the hell up and go on with your life! If a 18 year old white male has the same thing happen to him (multiple times) then its not raciest if it happened to you once so face the facts its not raciest I would say that your more raciest them them by automatically accusing the nearest white person of being a raciest god.... you are pathetic.

[rollieandpaws]

@ShannonMcCrary wow yes she is over reacting as far as I'm concerned but there is no need for that kind of response. Be nice Shanon

[ShannonMcCrary]

@rollieandpaws yes there is a need for this kind of response people loose their jobs over stuff like this. I have a really good friend who's dad was laid off because he was a cop and he was accused of being raciest even though the entire situation was recorded (both video and audio) and he followed perfect procedures and did not show any sign of racism but the police department didn't want the image that came with being sewed although the court later found that there was no racism in his actions

[ShannonMcCrary]

@rollieandpaws so yes we need to stop these things because they just hurt other people so yes my response is needed and you need to not take these situations so lightly. because it hurts a lot of people. because now my friend can't go to college because they had to use their savings to support themselves because no one likes hiring people that have the title of a racist even if the title isn't correct.

[Jewelol]

Astra, Perhaps you showed the same RUDE behavior we saw on the program. From your comments you sound like you, Miss "3 piece luggage set", should be treated with privilege. I have been searched more than once, it is a fact of life and security in the US today. Once it was because a gift wrapped box of golf balls could not be identified in an X-Ray. Grow up, check your character and stop using your color as an excuse for bad behavior.

[shieldsff]

@Jewelol - there's nothing wrong with HER character and how do you know ANYTHING about her behavior- you weren't even there ! She want perfectly right not to tell them anything What she could have done was to DEMAND to speak to a TSA manager as well as the passenger services manager of the airline. She can also now retain an attorney to see about bringing a lawsuit. She CAN also now worked with other large groups of people outraged by racial profiling to BOYCOTT that airline/airport, etc...

[shieldsff]

@Jewelol there's nothing wrong with HER character and how do you know ANYTHING about her behavior- you weren't even there ! She was perfectly right not to tell them anything What she could have done was to DEMAND to speak to a TSA manager as well as the passenger services manager of the airline. She can also now retain an attorney to see about bringing a lawsuit. She CAN also now worked with other large groups of people outraged by racial profiling to BOYCOTT that airline/airport, etc...

[jamesdh76]

@Jewelol YOu must be White, all white and nothing but a white so help you GOD. Imagine if your daughter was raped, and a group of guys wanted to check to see if she was a prostite........... Then i'll say "Perhaps you showed the same RUDE behavior we saw on the program. From your comments you sound like you, Miss "3 piece luggage set", should be treated with privilege. " How you feel now

[TheBLACKKING25]

@Jewelol Being rude is no excuse for an unjustifiable search

[klord3coxnet]

I agree. She probably flies a lot and I know that will draw attention. She lives in one place, works in another, .....come on, no matter what race, creed or color - they would check. we are not at the airport 24/7 - no telling how many people they stop for the same thing - black, white, Italian, Chinese, young, old, etc.

[faceman68]

@Jewelol How do you know that she was being rude? Plus, why do you think that she is using her race for an excuse for her bad behavior?

[Drugstorejunkie94]

@Jewelol what bad behavior?...stfu!...it seems like white people are so quick to say we are using our skin color as an excuse....you guys have no idea what it is like to be colored in america....Whites cant be half as strong and thats why you find hard to relate!....

[muffn43]

Hello we live in a country that is being hit by terrorism, they can and will search who ever they want!!! I've seen whites bags searched too.

[nekoarini]

Yes I believe there is bias but not just race. There is sex, looks, income , and several others. I feel the men handled the situation wrong.

[alfredajharris]

Astra,

Those guys were trying to hit on you. All of those questions had a double meaning. It is hard for white guys to approach black women. They fear being rejected also. They targeted you because you are an attractive, black woman not just because you were black. Think back and imagine they were black and maybe you will see it. Another pretty, dark complexioned, black woman in the audience felt as you do, but I feel you both were targeted because you are attractive.

[mommybento]

Astra, You are just too sensitive...In my opinion you over reacted!!!! You represented yourself in a unprofessional manner. Especial, working for the Dr. Phil show.... screaming.yelling.. come on... Do I think racism exsits? Yes I do! I beleive racism exsits in both white and black...

I also thought you were unprofessional in todays Dr.Phil show. A women voiced her opion and you had the nerve to actual walk right up to her in order to get your point across... grow up!

[mommybento]

Astra, You are just too sensitive...In my opinion you over reacted!!!! You represented yourself in a unprofessional manner. Especial, working for the Dr. Phil show.... screaming.yelling.. come on... Do I think racism exsits? Yes I do! I beleive racism exsits in both white and black...

I also thought you were unprofessional in todays Dr.Phil show. A women voiced her opion and you had the nerve to actual walk right up to her in order to get your point across... grow up!

[traceybennati]

get the F***K over it!!!! Grow Up!!! it's the easy way out just to say it's racism!!! It goes both ways because it was done to me and my children!!! so get over it!!

[christianarose]

Astra- I work for Delta Airlines, and so I am in airports around the country all the time.The Reason that these individuals probably waited for you to get your bags instead of searching through them before you got them is common sense. Why would you search through a bag without seeing the person? the bag didn't do anything wrong, the person did. Therefore, if they do find something, they can charge the person with the bag.They do random checks every single flight I work, despite your race.

[sandw952]

Dear Astra, I feel that they saw expensive luggage on the rack and when they saw you a black woman picking up the luggage they thought that the luggage couldnt be yours because you were black and the luggage being so nice ,but as soon you said that you worked for Dr. Phil Show they were no longer concerned about the luggage!!!!!! SO I FEEL YOU WERE RACIALLY PROFILED

[daddysbabycole]

Hello Astra. I think that racial profiling does, very much, still exist. The fact that the search ended when you disclosed that you worked for the Dr. Phil show is very telling.

[EricaMorgan]

cont... They have to use something to profile people though. If they didnt profile anyone then no one would get searched and our airlines wouldnt be safe. I have been searched at another airport before and I believe it was because I am a small part Israeli and even though Ive lived in america my entire life, have dark hair and dark skin. Sure it is unfortunate but Id rather they profile me than have the plane Im in blow up. Just my opinion.

[EricaMorgan]

I worked in Seattle-Tacoma Airport for about a year. While working there I had to go through security each day before the start of my shift. It was pretty common knowledge by everyone who worked there that you didn't want to get stuck behind anyone who was Middle Eastern, even if they were Indian. Sure enough each and every time they would get searched. Racial profiling does exist in airport security. Cont...

[ctindal1]

Good point, too bad she did not get a card, she should check and see if there is a video surveillance camera in the area. If they were perpertrators the airport should be on the look out.

[Spookysr]

@ctindal1 - She did get a business card when she refused to comply and went to the ticket counter. Yes everything was caught on video but she has no access to TSA video log only them and FBI. The card was obviously faked. However, if she calls those numbers I listed below they'll tell her if the stop was legit and documented. Otherwise it was phony. They'll not do this at Burbank again. It will be another airport next.

[Spookysr]

She goes into more detail at the Dr. Phil TV show website.

[ctindal1]

Hello Astra, No, I do not think you were being too sensitve. no 1 else was being stopped, & Y did they stop after U said U work for Dr. Phil. there R people N this country that have professional jobs that R a threat to this country, i.e. the military guy that went on a shootinig spree, so the fact that you work for Dr. Phil should not have changed their perspective if they had litigimite reasons for stopping you. I have more to say, running out of characters, will try to post again.

[Spookysr]

@ctindal1 - The Dr. Phil thing scared them off as they knew it would bring undue publicity for a "shaky" stop of a party that they suspected of something... they didn't want to reveal even to Astra. They knew that had no legal leg to stand on and thought she would just submit w/o protest as they were trying to intimidate her into submission. That's why I need to know what the business card said. They don't sound legit to me... If they are legit then they were OUT OF LINE and need discipline...

[Spookysr]

I don't think you were too sensitive as racial profiling does occur in USA. HOWEVER, at The Bob Hope Airport where you were detained ONLY TSA/Airport Police & FBI have jurisdiction. I do not know of any undercover "detective" division under Ed Skvarna Police Chief TSA/Burbank Police. Even they MUST show "probable cause" to detain you and search & seizure. You were either being scammed by con artists or you resemble a narcotics suspect regular Burbank Police are looking for. (continued)

[Spookysr]

You said they gave you a "business card"? What dept. did it say on it? Also someone on the airplane may have overheard something you said or did and called the emergency number to report you. Then the "detectives" had to investigate. It wasn't racial. Call Airport Police Chief Ed Skvarna at (818) 840-9536 or Acting Burbank Chief Scott LaChasse at (818) 238-3200 and ask them to explain what happened to you on that date. If they don't know then those guys weren't cops nor feds. Plz let us know...

[Spookysr]

The more I think about this the more I think you were a "mark" in a very clever scam by con-artists. A "badge" is not enough for undercover law enforcement. They must also show a bona-fide PHOTO ID. You should be allowed to use cell phone to verify their identity by calling 911. Also U should have found TSA officer at ticket counter or riding around on 3-wheeled scooter. None of your guys were uniformed. That's very suspicious! Business cards can be faked. U gave 2 much personal data 2.

[Spookysr]

Con-artists do PROFILING more than cops do... They size you up as a potential "mark" or "sucker". They were probably after your luggage contents or identity theft. Next time challenge anybody claiming to be a cop. Make them handcuff you in front of the public. Holler & scream for any uniformed officer to check their ID. Local cops and local Feds all can be identified by the 911 operator or she has their field office supervisor's phone number to verify their name and badge number.

[adriahk]

You do need to grow up! This isn't 1965. Airport officials have the right to stop, detain, and search ANYONE ANY TIME they feel is necessary. You just want attention that unfortunately you are now recieving tenfold. The ONLY people who can claim ANY kind of racial profiling is the Muslim people or anyone that remotely looks Middle Eastern. I never eply to anything on the computer but I was so incredulous at you and your claim that I HAD to comment. GET A LIFE LADY!!

[Spookysr]

@adriahk - No that's NOT true at all! Racial Profiling against BLACKS still occurs even at airports (see BWI Airport - full cavity search central). Also NO ONE can just stop you for no reason. They must show a legal warrant or show due probable cause or it is illegal detention & 'search & seizure'. Muslims should not be detained as they are NOT the problem. The problem is 'criminal extremists' who may or may not be of middle eastern descent. That INCLUDES Israelis!

[PlanetMigel]

Hi Astra,

I was denied an editing job because I am a woman and it was all guys working there. They made me come "prove" I could edit by coming in and doing a segment, which I agreed to do. I found out later no (guy) had ever been asked to do that. I passed the test with flying colors, and still was not hired there. To this day, there are still no girl editors there. Gotta love the glass ceiling of Hollywood.

[kincolithmothergoose]

i get this feeling and treatment all the time, we live in a reserve and go to a litlle city to shop for grocery's, clothes and whatever. me and my two son's got regected to buy smoothies, was too hot and said they don't got any,, people in the shop were drinking and got quiet, the whole place, it was a coffee shop and smoothie place. More story's of this place, this is why i moved to racist. 

[FosterBoys]

Quick question about your choice of words for the title of this video. What's the difference between "perceived" bias and "alleged" bias? Is it that an allegation can be proven to be false, whereas perceptions tend to avoid that level of scrutiny?

[woodswdsmith]

I agree with girlonlaptop. I don't think you were racially profiled, however, I don't know. I could be, but the scary thing is that they can approach people and intimidate them and take over and ask personal questions, and we don''t have any rights.

The really scary thing is this is the way that it really is, we just think that we still live in a free country. It is going to get a lot worse, folks.

[girlonlaptop]

ok great video. I do not think you were racially profiled but i do think your rights were violated. I do not think they should be able to do that to anyone, especially all the personal questions…just some guys with a badge? That's crazy. Next time i get pulled over at Burbank airport i know what to say. Thanks!

[pfaehlergirl]

On the other hand, if they were who they say they were, you should have given them all the info they asked for. Suppose you are a look-a-like for a criminal or terrorist or some jerk called in a bomb threat and made a description of luggage that matched yours. . . wouldn't you want to prove who you are to clear the matter. The thing about govt security is they have to be discrete about the reasons behind some of the things they do to avoid a widespread panic.

[tretremor]

You say you felt helpless in the situation but you held your ground and got the them off of you. You are stronger than you realize because you didn't crack under the pressure. Whether it was racial profiling or something else, you rose to the occassion, asserted yourself, showed no fear and was victorious. You knew your rights and exercised them. You go girl!

[vtjakiela]

i want you to start living your life as a gay woman,

and i want you to start having a gay relationship

[FosterBoys]

Astra, you can feel however you want to feel about this. Hopefully no one's going to tell you that you were wrong to feel racially profiled. Whether or not it's true, only the officers know. However, it does seem suspect that they called off their search after you revealed who you worked for. If they weren't doing anything wrong, they shouldn't have backed off. The whole scenario you described sounds suspiciously unprofessional.