I only fly a few times a year. So a recent visit to Newark Airport was my first encounter with the Smiths Detection Sentinel II. In Googling the machine later, I learned that it is able to analyze microscopic particles off of people for traces of explosives or narcotics. At the time, though, all I knew was to step on the two yellow footprints. A robot voice spoke. And then jets of air shot out at me from both sides. It was kind of fun.
Stepping out, I said to the agent on duty, “Next time I’ll get the hot wax.”
He did not respond.
So, either:
—My comment wasn’t amusing
—He’s heard a variation of it a million times
—Airport security is no laughing matter. (Even in the pre-9/11 years, I got hassled at the Seattle Airport for taking a photo of a sign that said that joking wasn’t permitted.)
Regardless, my feelings were hurt. And I am extra vulnerable when separated from my belt and shoes.
Jack Silbert, curator