Mandi Hamlin, Our Privacy, the TSA and Nipple Rings

Mandi Hamlin has nipple rings. At first, she was the only one that knew. Maybe a lover or her family knew. Then one day she took a flight and everyone in the security area learned she had nipple rings. Because of treatment she deemed cruel, she filed a complaint with the Transportation Security Administration and they learned about it. Now everyone knows. Quite frankly, I didn't want to know this fact. But that is the least of our troubles.

According to CNN, Mandi Hamlin's story is as follows. In Lubbock, Texas TSA officials forced Mandi Hamlin to remove her nipple rings. This went against stated policy on the TSA web site that a private pat down check is enough. Instead, Mandi had to remove her nipple rings, one required the use of pliers while on the other side of the curtain the officials snickered.

I agree. What happened seems needless and cruel. Her privacy was invaded. Her body was attacked. She was humiliated. And for no apparent security risk.

From my own experience, TSA officials are, in general, standoffish and efficient. Sometimes they are quite helpful, making sure that your personal belongings are kept together, and that you go through a minimal of hassle. But occasionally you run into the self-important demigod that makes your life miserable.

Recently, my husband and I were treated to one such in Nerita airport. After going through security checks in both China and in Nerita, then having our passports and tickets checked at the on ramp, my husband was selected for a special spot check by TSA officials. They told me to go away but I refused.

The woman official proceeded to kindly harass my husband while her co-official sat in a chair. My husband was forced to put his luggage on the dirty sloping floor, open it up, and take off his shoes. Meanwhile passengers continually walked by. The official pointed out every single electronic item in his bag and asked him to open them up. For instance, he was asked to pull his 300mm lens out of its bag, take the lens cap and connect cover off, and hand it to the official. she asked to look at another lens.