A Study of The Theme of Profiling in Jennifer Thompson Cannino, Erin Torneo and Ronald Cotton's Memoir Picking Cotton

As humans, our minds tend to form thoughts based on different aspects of people without having facts to back them up. It is purely a human tendency, sometimes even uncontrollable. This is also known as profiling. Profiling can be based on many factors, such as age, culture, gender, and race. Almost anything that can set one apart from another sets up the perfect stage for profiling. Profiling or any type of personal judgment in the mind is a pure human performance, but when said aloud or acted upon, it can cause much harm towards others. Profiling is extremely harmful outside personal boundaries. The memoir Picking Cotton is a great example of profiling. It is a meaningful story that shows profiling through different aspects. Although sometimes profiling others can simply lead to an argument or fight, this story nearly ruined someone’s life. Profiling has negative side effects for all involved, and Picking Cotton clearly shows how profiling Ronald Cotton had a major impact on himself, his family, and even the women profiling him, Jennifer Thompson and Mary Reynolds. As evident by the tragedy of Ronald Cotton’s story, it is imperative that society understands the harmful consequences of profiling a human being based on superficial attributes, to avoid wrongfully punishing or stereotyping innocent people (Cannino et al., 2009, p. 33).

An Analysis of the Profiling Theme in the Memoir "Picking Cotton" by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Erin Torneo, and Ronald Cotton

Profiling is simply a term defined as the recording and analysis of a person’s psychological and behavioral characteristics, sometimes done individually or by placing people in invisible groups. Picking Cotton is most definitely a novel written based on profiling. There is only one road where profiling can be used in good manners: using good judgment in your mind to evaluate certain people to determine if they are true friends or individuals you genuinely want to associate with. In situations where you meet new people and have to make quick judgments on whether they are safe to be around or spend time with, profiling skills can be exceptionally useful. Other than that path, profiling is extremely harmful to all who are involved. The media plays a major role in influencing many young adults who participate in watching and listening to profile races and genders among other invisible categories. Growing up under two people’s influence for 18 years plays a huge part in the way you profile invisible groups. For example, if you were to grow up with parents who were racists, that alone would hugely impact your view towards other races. Some homes force their children to believe what they themselves believe, while others let the children have the freedom to choose for themselves. Either way, the world you grow up in as a child leaves much residue on how your beliefs are formed as you start your adult life. Ronald Cotton was labeled as an African American male in his community due to his negative reputation he built himself growing up.

Personal Reflection

Personally, I have profiled others and I have been profiled. It is a hurtful judgment that no one should ever have to deal with. Coming from an overseas perspective straight to an American perspective was a huge transition for me. I tried to be the “American” that I saw all around me, but inside I was the African I grew up as. Many people profiled me as a poor African girl. To make things worse, my parents are missionaries, so that only added "goody-goody two shoes" to my list. Yes, I did grow up in Africa and yes, I am the daughter of missionaries, but that does not give you the right to profile me as a Christian, poor, African girl. I want people to look at the real me, not just automatically make assumptions due to invisible categories made. When I first moved back, I went in the direction of not telling anyone about where I was from or the family I grew up in, just to see what would happen. People tend to be more intrigued when I let them know where I am from. When they were blind to the fact that I am from Africa, they were not as easily intrigued with befriending me, but once their eyes were opened, they automatically clung to me. It was almost sad to realize that being from Africa helped with the number of friends I had. When people put me in the "goody two shoes" category, I turned to a rebellious stage just to prove I would not be what they categorized me as. Once they categorized me as a wild child, I again turned back to the "goody two shoes." People also profiled me as poor, due to the fact that I attended a name-brand school, but instead, I wore used or passed-down clothing. When I was labeled poor, I automatically jumped to wanting to be the opposite. Realizing that I did not come from a rich enough family to afford name brands, I switched to finding used name-brand clothing. I was all over the place when I moved here back in 7th grade. Thankfully, with those experiences, this time around I am a much more grounded and independent person.

Conclusion

Profiling is a complex issue deeply ingrained in human behavior, and while it can sometimes serve a protective function, it often leads to negative consequences. The story of Ronald Cotton and my personal experiences illustrate the harm that profiling can inflict on individuals and communities. It is crucial for society to recognize the impact of profiling and work towards understanding and dismantling these biases, allowing for more authentic connections and a more equitable world.

References

• Cannino, J. T., Torneo, E., & Cotton, R. (2009). Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. St. Martin's Press.