Stick It To The Man

"Stick it to the man" was a song written for the play/movie, School of Rock, about a rock musician who finds himself teaching music to a high school class of gifted students.  The "man" in "stick it to the man" refers to anyone in a position of authority: teachers, parents, principals and the like.

Today, we have a situation that might be paraphrased, "Stick it to United."  Who hasn't been inconvenienced  by one airline or another?  A number of us have arrived late because of traffic and have seen the door of our plane slam shut in our face.  We have found ourselves with seats suitable only for people shorter than five feet.  We've found it impossible to get to a lavatory because a drink cart blocked our way.  We've been seated next to crying babies.  We've had chunky passengers seated next to us with oversized shoulders that intruded into our space.  We've suffered through delayed departures; not to mention cancellations.  Just taking off your shoes and belt prior to entering the departure area served to darken our mood.  Flying generally isn't fun.

So who's to blame.  Difficulties at security can all be attributed to Muslims who would like to blow us out of the sky.  The bastards!  All the rest is the responsibility of the airlines.  Bad weather?  Oh, sure.  Ticket price?  Everyone pays a different fare, depending on the day and they booked the flight, and most paid less then you.   And, then there's the amount extra you must pay if your luggage is a bit overweight.

Flying ain't fun.  We'd just love to stick it to the airlines.  Who cares about them having to compete with other airlines.  Who cares what the weather conditions.  Who cares?  Suddenly we can stick it to United.  It feels so good.

To those who care to give it a moment's thought, it might be pointed out that in the end passengers are a kind of cargo.  Yes, they are people and deserve care and special handling.  But, in the end we've all signed up for the airlines to take us from here to there as cheaply as possible.  And, the pilots hold the same power as the captains of a ship.  Indeed, the head pilot is called "captain."

David Dao, the passenger dragged off of the United flight was initially described as "belligerent" and "disruptive."   Later when the public saw their chance to stick it to "the man;" namely, United, United changed its tune and said the man was not to blame.  But, of course, the man had indeed been belligerent as well as disruptive.  And, what images he incurred were brought about by his own actions.  Had he simply gotten out of his seat and left the plane as the other two passengers did who were also asked to leave Dr. Dao would have been none the worst for wear.

Can airlines avoid this situation in the future?  Of course, they could set up a glass enclosed waiting areas.  Then, when the flight was ready to board, and unfortunate, but necessary adjustments, had been made, those passengers, whose final status had been firmly established would be allowed to board the plane.  It would cost the airlines more to operate this way.  But, of course, it would be one more cost to be transferred on to the passengers.  Thank you Dr. Dao.