Steven Slater and the Heroism of Immaturity
Not that I don't love a dramatic quitting story, but treating Steven Slater like a folk hero doesn't make sense to me. Particularly as new details reveal that Slater may have been inebriated or otherwise out of control during the entire flight.
No matter what the situation, Rich Lowry wrote a fantastic piece about why Slater's antics were amusing, but not admirable:
The flight attendant is a hero for our times only in this sense — his escapade captures the value our culture puts on emotional expressiveness. Reserve and restraint are almost always portrayed in film and on TV as the product of an unhealthy repression. Breaking loose, finding yourself, and sticking it to authority are the keys to fulfillment and happiness.
In reality, the opposite is usually the case. . . .
He contrasts the behavior of Capt. Chesley Sullenberger -- competent, steady -- with Slater's reckless endangerment. Only one of these men deserves to be called hero.
- Comment (3)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
May '10
Re: Steven Slater and the Heroism of Immaturity
Why is this such a big story? It was certainly amusing at first, but what's behind the excessive coverage?
Jul '10
Re: Steven Slater and the Heroism of Immaturity
Hero? Who's calling him a "hero[?]"
A joke, maybe. I think it was completely intentional. Another "balloon boy." He was waiting for the opportunity.
May '10
Re: Steven Slater and the Heroism of Immaturity
Thanks for this Mollie. I was appalled by his behavior and convinced I was the only one.