Air dilemma?

[NonLemming]

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/conten...a_talk_collins

What do you folks think about this one?

[zimnah]

It's patently amazing that, in our post 9/11 paranoia, a kissing couple can actually be considered just cause for diverting a flight! You'd think that this post 9/11 society would have more important things to worry about!
I found that article infuriating. At the risk of mixing cliches, what else would one think to see on a plane to or from Paris but lovers??? Perhaps the occassional jet-setting business person...I'm having difficulty finding words to describe my reaction.
I have the (perhaps naive) beliefe that, if people were only able to identify exactly what it was that disturbed them about LGBT relationships, they would see just how baseless and ridiculous the prejudice actually is. But no one seems able to put a name to the source of their discomfort. Instead, they hide behind unreasonable assumptions, the Bible, and faulty cause-and-effect conclusions, e.g. the links they saw between homosexuality and HIV.
This article is one more incident in a long history that, to me, disproves Darwinism for the simple fact that humans are patently incapable of evolving past their own idiotic ideas. (said with more than a little sarcasm!)
I have run out of words, and am left simply grinding my teeth and growling.
ARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Dawn

[Zerbie]

Unforunately, it's impossible to get an accurate sense of what happened from the information given - but I was infuriated at the possibility that it indeed is what it seems - a disturbing incident of blatant homophobia.

What if we each of us write a letter to American Airlines asking them precisely what happened on that flight, and stating in no uncertain terms that treating some passengers as "second class citizens" is never appropriate (since that seems to be the case.) ? I would request a clear reply to my letter, and if the reply was not satisfactory, I would write again, include a copy of their reply with the objectionable parts highlighted, and inform them that I will take my business elsewhere.

Here is AA contact information:

American Airlines Customer Relations Dept
PO box 619612 MD 2400
DFW Airport, TX 75261-9612

Fax: 817-967-4162


That line about "need to understand" that some people object is classic BS. I know people who oppose marriage equality on the grounds that gay people "need to understand that they *are* different." And I was once admonished at a job for - oddly - doing my job, part of which "offended" a conservative religious colleague, who complained to management instead of to me, and management came down on me saying I "needed to understand" that some people have higher moral standards than I have. That's a classic BS line that means "we don't like you."

[Mia14]

I can't believe such blatant discrimination. It's just amazing to me that people can be so... wow. You KNOW that if it was a hetero couple, people would probably think its cute, and if they didn't like it they'd just turn away and it would be another one of those stories about things that annoy you on a flight.

[dewdrop_world]

I agree with the idea of sending a letter.

I'll sure think twice about flying American again.

hjh

[NathanATX]

This makes me angry.

Here is a link to send AA an email.

https://www.aa.com/apps/utility/cont...equestid=78745

My email:
I just read an article in the New Yorker about your ABSURD treatment of a gay couple on one of your flights. If the facts presented in the article are accurate, I want to know what is being done about this. I am alerting my colleagues, media contacts and fellow bloggers about this situation. Please let me know what your company is going to do about this accusation of offensive homophobia.

Sincerely,
Nate Black

[NathanATX]

September 29, 2006

Dear Mr. Black:

We appreciate your inquiry about a recent article that appeared in The New Yorker about reported events on one of our flights. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to comment.

As the worlds largest airline, American Airlines served more than 80 million
customers last year from all over the world and we are well-known for welcoming all customers. Our company has a solid reputation for fairness and equality in the workplace and marketplace. A careful review of the records for the reported incident indicates that the actions taken by our crew members were reasonable, non-discriminatory, and struck the right balance in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and respectful travel experience for all passengers onboard the aircraft. Being a leader in diversity is challenging given our large and diverse customer base, but our commitment to welcoming all customers remains unchanged. Consistent with our
leadership position, we frequently review our policies, procedures, and training to determine whether enhancements can be made to prepare employees to address a variety of social situations in a professional and respectful manner.

Again, thank you for contacting us. We will continue to work hard to ensure all customers enjoy a pleasant journey when flying with American Airlines.

This is an "outgoing only" email address. If you 'reply' to this message by simply selecting the reply button, we will not receive your additional comments. Please assist us in providing you with a timely response to any feedback you have for us by always sending us your email messages via AA.com at http://www.aa.com/customerrelations.


Sincerely,

Jan DeLancey
Customer Relations
American Airlines

[keltic63]

I read the report about this situation in the Advocate last night. There's something that doesn't sit right about it. Passengers on the flight have confirmed the gay couple's story, they were doing nothing inappropriate. If this is the case, why does AA stand by their employees' actions as being reasonable?

[BruceChris]

And the knowledge that a large enough bureaucracy, with enough lawyers, can bury almost anything. (I have heard of two lovers sharing an explosive passion, but I always thought that that was just a metaphore)

P&L, BC

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by BruceChris

And the knowledge that a large enough bureaucracy, with enough lawyers, can bury almost anything. (I have heard of two lovers sharing an explosive passion, but I always thought that that was just a metaphore)

P&L, BC

ah, I get it! Love is an explosive, thus the gay love being shown on that flight was a terroristic threat, and that was the reason for threatening to divert the flight. Now it all makes sense.