According to Williams (2010), racial profiling involves making judgments about individuals based on their lifestyle. Some argue that African-Americans have a culture associated with drug involvement and that this culture should be respected. However, scholars criticize this perspective by asserting that regardless of cultural differences, there are always universal moral principles that everyone should adhere to (Durlauf, 2005). In the Asian community, there exists a specific cultural belief that killing one's parents leads to a vibrant afterlife. In contemporary society, this belief would be deemed morally incorrect; however, the underlying principle of caring for our parents remains valid (Drakulich, 2009). The theory of absolutism contradicts the philosophy of relativism.
In order for society to thrive and survive, Aguirre (2004) argues that a universal set of ordinary laws is necessary. These laws should be enforced by law enforcement entities, such as
...the police force. The theory emphasizes the importance of all individuals, regardless of their position, adhering to a shared ethical code.
According to Drakulich (2009), the theory of absolutism opposes relativism, which promotes respect for diverse cultures. Drakulich argues that when assessing others, it is important to exercise fair and empathetic judgment. This is particularly crucial in relation to racial profiling, as it highlights the importance of universally accepted ethical standards outlined in the constitution that apply to everyone. Absolutism regards racial profiling as a violation of equal rights because it unfairly targets specific ethnic groups and cultures. To ensure adherence to this theory in law enforcement practices, judgments (profiling) should be unbiased and primarily based on an individual's actions rather than their demographic characteristics.
The theory of utilitarianism, developed by Stuart Miller in the 18th century, explain
ethical behavior as actions that promote the social welfare of the majority over equity (Drakulich, 2009). According to this perspective on racial profiling, if crime rates associated with a particular ethnic group are disproportionate to those of other community members, it is justified to implement measures aimed at reducing crimes committed by that ethnic group. However, Coates (2004) argues that this utilitarian view of racial profiling only applies directly to those affected and not in a conceptual sense.
The perspective examines how racial profiling and crime reduction are connected, emphasizing the impact on a specific ethnic group. Wilson, Dunham, and Alpert (2004) argue that if profiling leads to a decrease in crime rates, it indicates an overall improvement in society's well-being. Therefore, if the benefits to society outweigh the harm experienced by the targeted group due to profiling, then it can be considered justified. In the United States, individuals who are profiled for involvement in certain crimes may hinder social well-being; however, profiling also creates fear and partially restores lost welfare so that society maintains or even improves its initial level of well-being.
Conclusion
The intense debate on racial profiling in law enforcement and the justice system revolves around making judgments about a specific group's criminal involvement based on their ethnicity. It remains uncertain whether this approach is morally acceptable. Advocates of racial profiling argue that it is necessary due to the correlation between certain profiles and crime rates in particular communities. Conversely, opponents contend that it contradicts ethical principles and personal beliefs, as relativism posits variations in beliefs and practices among individuals.
Drakulich (2009) argues that absolutism advocates for universal ethical principles and fair implementation by law
enforcement officials. Conversely, the utilitarian perspective assesses the benefits of an action based on its impact on social welfare, which may justify racial profiling in certain situations.
References
- Aguirre, A.,Jr. (2004). Profiling mexican american identity: Issues and concerns.The American Behavioral Scientist, 47(7), 928-942. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214782981?accountid=45049
- Byars, Q. A. (2009).
Black and mainstream press have historically framed the issue of racial profiling. A study titled "Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 86 (1), 206-208" discusses this framing (Coates, R. D., 2004). Another study titled "The American Behavioral Scientist, 47 (7), 873-878" explores critical racial and ethnic studies related to profiling and reparations (Drakulich, K.).
M. (2009). Policing, pretext stops, and the color of suspicion: Is it racial profiling?
Contemporary Sociology, 38
(1), 38-39. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/233576960?accountid=45049
N. (2005). Racial profiling as a public policy question: Efficiency, equity, and ambiguity. The American Economic Review, 95 (2), 132-136. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/233023770?accountid=45049 Johnson, K. R. (2004).
Roll over beethoven*: "A critical examination of recent writing about race". Texas Law Review, 82 (3), 717-734. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203707893?accountid=45049
The content provided in the URL http://search.proquest.com/docview/214765069?accountid=45049 focuses on the examination of racial profiling as policy analysis. The source is documented in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, volume 21 (2), pages 287-300. For further information, it can be accessed at http://search.proquest.com/docview/222365310?accountid=45049. Additionally, Parker, K. F., MacDonald, J. M., and Alpert, G. are mentioned as other sources related to this topic.The article titled "A contextual study of racial profiling: Assessing
the theoretical rationale for the study of racial profiling at the local level" by P., Smith, M. R., and Piquero, A. R. (2004), published in The American Behavioral Scientist, volume 47(7), pages 943-962, can be retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214765750?accountid=45049. Another related work is that of Persico, N.
(2002). Racial profiling, fairness, and effectiveness of policing. The American Economic Review, 92 (5), 1472-1497. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/233032953?accountid=45049
(2002). "Race, ethnicity, and law enforcement profiling: Implications for public policy." Public Administration Review, 62(6), 726-735. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/197173103?accountid=45049.
The article "Black or blue: Racial profiling and representative bureaucracy" by N. (2008) can be found in the Public Administration Review journal, volume 68 (4), pages 654-664. It was retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197175131?accountid=45049. The author of this article is Williams, R.The text consists of the citations for two articles: "Risse and Zeckhauser on racial profiling: A reply" published in Utilitas journal (Volume 22, Issue 2) in 2010 (pages 228-231) with a DOI of http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0953820810000117, and "Prejudice in police profiling: Assessing an overlooked aspect in prior research" by Wilson, G., Dunham, R., & Alpert,G published in The American Behavioral Scientist journal (Volume 47; Issue 7) in 2004 (pages 896-909).The source for this information can be found at http://search.proquest.com/docview/214766318?accountid=45049.
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