Every one of us, each and every one, uses our knowledge, our experience, and an appraisal of where we are now, to estimate the future. Whether it is to choose the best tomato, decide to smile or say hello, in driving, or working the stock market, we all predict, estimate, forecast, profile, model, extrapolate, and so on. It all comes down to knowing where you are, and applying experience and knowledge to predict what is about to happen.
Some of these prediction techniques are objective (as in economic modeling and forecasting the market), others are very subjective and “feeling” oriented as in choosing the right bouquet, whether to ask that person for a date, and job interviewing, as examples. Profiling deals largely with people”s behavior, and, again, we all use it virtually all the time. Right or wrong, when we see the same individual or group acting the same way several times, our experience is affected and our brain begins to link that behavior link the individual/group with that behavior. Whether it be me, as an individual, law enforcement officers, abused women, whoever, we use it to lessen our sense of risk and increase our sense of safety. If there is a weakness, it is that any given individual in a group may not fit the mold, but is included anyhow. Sadly, it is virtually impossible to avoid. On the other hand, profiling can be a major motivation for behavioral change.
The problem with profiling is not in the process ? I defy anyone to go through a normal day and not use it ? but in knowing when not to use it for inappropriate, improper applications as the basis for prejudice, or for unwarranted preemptive action.
Guthrie “Guff” Worth
Lakeport
