Robert Woolley’s commentary defends racial profiling

(Robert) Woolley’s article [“Profiles in Suspicion,” July 16, Xpress], in which he claims, “A book’s cover does tell you something,” defends racial profiling with the erroneous argument that minorities commit crimes at higher rates.

That’s a broad insult to make without any evidence to back it up.

I wish Robert were aware of the insidious, oppressing impact of racial profiling. The officer he quoted was right on when he said race does not make an individual suspicious.

I hope that you, Robert, will read something below to help you understand how important it is that you don’t use race in making your “judgment call.” How would you feel if you were routinely treated like a white supremacist just because you have a bald head? Please explore these links to become more educated on the harms of racial profiling:

Go to: ywcaofashville.org, then select What we do / Eliminating Racism / Racial Justice Resources;

Look under resources on this page:  www.olliasheville.com/diversity-initiative;

Read this ACLU article: www.aclu-or.org/blog/racial-profiling-hurts-everyone-regardless-color;

And consider reading The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Kris Wallace

Asheville