Another 40+ year old white guy here. The last time I remember extra security checks – not counting a quick wand or pat because the scanner got confused with a belt or bunched up clothing – was probably 15 years ago.

I was bringing home some parts on a business trip. They were pressure-loaded gas pistons to help lift heavy lids on equipment. Basically shorter, wider versions of the pistons that might raise the rear window or the hatchback in a car. I had half a dozen of them bunched up in the bottom of my backpack. On the x-ray it probably looked like a cartoonish bunch of dynamite sticks, or at least oddly shaped pipe bombs.

I don’t think I even left the area. I immediately realized what happened, told them what it was, and I think they even let me reach in the bag to pull one out and show them.

I did get one other “random” check in my life where we went into a side room for just a pat down. That was a long-ass time ago though. I want to say when the scanner tech was new and I was a lot fatter, lol.

The sad thing now is that there’s no need to talk sarcastically about “random” searches, and try to prove whether there is bias. These ghouls are all mask-off now.

Hell, if anything I could see “well dressed” being another red flag on top of the “brown” one. I can hear the TSA thought processes now: “That one” has something to hide, or is a drug dealer, or something equally stupid.