Racism and discrimination do depend on the situation. When it comes to public safety, an individual’s rights take second. But if a situation doesn’t depend on the safety of others, a race blind method of selection should be used.
For the most part, race should not be used for any reason. But when bystanders can be injured, race should be considered. Exceptions include airport security. Lone passengers tend to look more suspicious. Terrorist tend to act alone on behalf of a group, so if we can trace the nationality of the group, certain individuals can be more thoroughly searched. Carefully selecting individuals for a more thorough search can potentially save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.
On the contrary, race should in no way be used to select a person for a job or school. In order to create a race-blind society, it is necessary to avoid using race. With finding jobs and being accepted to schools becoming tougher, an extra boost from race can make the difference. Now is this really fair? Race is something that we personally can’t control, so giving someone a bonus for being a certain race is unconstitutional. All men are created equal, not some above others.
Now in to distinct areas it is clear to see when race should, and should not, be used. In terms of public safety, race should be inplemented. But when race becomes a game changing factor, it should be ignored.