What Does The United Airlines Debacle Say About Us?
Start writing a post
Politics

What Does The United Airlines Debacle Say About Us?

What can we learn from this incident?

13
What Does The United Airlines Debacle Say About Us?
Travel + Leisure

The United Airlines controversy is a few weeks old now, but I believe it still holds significant relevance.

No matter who you are or what your status is in our society, the infamous decision by United Airlines is one from which we can learn much.

Everyone, understandably so, went immediately to the security officers beating and dragging this doctor off of the United Airlines flight in early April, but not many have mentioned the fact that, while all of this was happening, people chose to act solely by videotaping it on their phones and berating the officers in question. After watching the video, I noticed that not one person stood up and said “Leave this man alone! I will take his place.” No. People were too worried about keeping their good seat for both the flight and the show. They wanted to feel as though they were speaking out against the actions of these security officers, while simultaneously arriving at their destination without too much distraction.

People these days are, in mass numbers, too connected to their phones and disconnected from humanity; the United Airlines situation is a prime example of this. Whether you’re at a concert or simply walking down the streets, you see people all over watching the realities in front of them through the screen of their phone. People can’t seem to be a part of life without making sure they have evidence of the story they will be telling later. Of course, we need to see these kinds of heinous acts for ourselves, and the opportunities that arise from having the technology to capture moments such as this are important in such a violent and spectacular day-and-age.

That does not excuse, however, the responsibilities that we have as self-proclaimed decent human beings in times of crisis. We need to be a part of the realities we experience. Not everyone needs to stand up and actually do something impactful, though anyone can. Some may argue that in taping these types of events, the occurrence and message is being spread to the world at large. These situations are not simply videos on YouTube or TV shows on Netflix for our detached amusement. They are a very real part of the world we SHOULD be a part of, not apart from.

Not everyone is going to have their video viewed. Not everyone is going to make the difference simply by recording the ensuing absurdity. While it is important that the world know of specific events which trample against decency, we must do more if we are to truly shift the balance. It only takes one person actually standing up - physically and verbally walling their self between the corrupt and the innocent. Why not you?

While we may not feel as though the craziness we experience around the world through a screen is immediate to our everyday lives, we never know when the moment will come, when it is my turn or your turn to step up and vocalize against a wrong-doing. You don’t have to march in every protest. You don’t have to read and watch and comment on every single news article or story. But, when the time comes, and you'll know when that moment is, you need to be prepared to do what is right.


When that time comes, will you be getting a front row seat to tragedy, or giving up that seat for a much more empowering experience?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59245
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38301
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959749
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197158
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments