02-15-2010
09:24 PM
1 Love
Unlike many people, I listened to Kevin Smith's entire SModcast about this event. I have been a fan of his for many years and this incident has only reinforced my admiration of him. For those offended by his "classless" language - that's his style and it is not at all specific to this event. This is a man who will get on stage and talk about anything and everything for his fans. How many of you would tell millions of people that you were kicked off of a flight because of your weight? Because he is willing to do so, Southwest and hopefully many other airlines will be forced to evaluate the way that they treat people in general. More importantly, his motivation was not purely selfish. Since this part of the story will get VERY much swept under the rug, I feel like I should tell it.
On his flight home, Kevin sat next to a young lady who was also pulled out of her seat and told that she might have to buy a second seat due to her "size", EVEN THOUGH the flight attendant knew that no one would be sitting in the seat between her and Kevin (since he had paid for two seats for his own use). As he so poignantly pointed out, that girl could have been his daughter. Or yours. And she doesn't have a national stage to stand on and say that it bothered her. For all of those who blame "fat America" - wait until Southwest kicks you off because you have a child who is crying or your miniskirt is too short. This is about paying for a service and getting what you pay for without humiliation or ridicule. If there is a question about "size", it should be handled before a person gets on the plane - or even gets to the gate. Also, as many have pointed out, he met the magical criteria of pulling down the armrests and should have never been kicked off of the plane.
Southwest should have apologized, but that doesn't earn my respect or appreciation. Fix the problem and don't make anyone's daughter feel like Kevin or his seat mate again. Now that it is on a national stage, it should warrant their attention.
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