Thursday, August 12, 2010

Why is Steven Slater being called a hero?

JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater, the guy who threw a few f-bombs over his plane's public address system and then opened an aircraft door and slid down the emergency chute (grabbing a beer on the way out), is being made out as some kind of folk hero. I tip my hat to most flight attendants -- they're constantly dealing with us grouchy and stubborn fliers whose flights have probaby been delayed and then are crammed into seats that are too small. But this story frightens me more than it amuses me. What would have happened if Mr. Slater had had an altercation with a passenger while the plane was still in the air? Would he have had the self-control to do his job -- which is to preserve our safety -- and not act out in such a rash fashion? We'll see where this story ends up, but if I ever get on a plane and Steven Slater welcomes me aboard, I'm immediately "deplaning". PS: The lady who stood up and started gathering her bags before the plane reached the gate - and then allegedly hit Mr. Slater in the head with her luggage - should be fined and banned from all future JetBlue flights.

4 comments:

  1. I completely agree. I understand losing your temper but when your job is the safety of the passengers, this type of behavior is a: ignominious (and does nothing for the image gay flight attendants) and b: completely ridiculous. I am also unclear why he is a hero and someone should tell him that smirk on his face makes him look like a douche. He got lucky he didn't hurt anyone with his behavior (deploying the chute could have been detrimental if someone was standing under it). I don't know why this is such a huge story. If you hate your job, change it or quit or get fired in a safe way and collect unemployment.

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  2. Hero? no. Folk hero... maybe, but not in my book.

    He had a mental lapse, and dealt with it dramatically (as he is a queen).

    Although I do have to give him style points for self-destructing his life.

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  3. I just don't know. The guy seems like a loose cannon. And so effen smug. He "allegedly" told people he's been dreaming about doing something just like this for as he's been a flight attendant. I just hope he doesn't get away with a slap on the wrist. The message that would send scares me most of all.

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  4. What's really weird about this whole incident is that NO ONE videotaped it or snapped pictures. Sure, you're not supposed to use electronic devices during taxi/takeoff, but I can't believe no on on that plane had a flip video camera, or used their mobile phone to snap pix.

    Whatever the case, I wish I had been on that plane to see him jump out the emergency slide. I think I'd still be laughing today just thinking about that sight.

    And place your bets; I'm sure there's a reality show in the works!

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