Most have heard about the “very small meltdown” (his mom’s words) Steve Slater had aboard a JetBlue flight in New York City after an extended run-in he had with a foul-mouthed, rude female passenger with a lethal roller bag. He is an instant celebrity, hailed by large numbers of people as a folk hero and gutsy. News stories about the incident have included background music by Johnny Paycheck, playing the line, “Take this job and shove it, I ain’t working here no more.” By all accounts, Slater got on the plane’s intercom, used profanity, grabbed two cans of bear, deployed the emergency slide, and thereby exited the plane in reaction to the inflamed woman passenger. He was arrested at his home and faces a potential jail sentence of seven years. Most pundits agree no jury would convict Slater because too many are empathetic to him and enthusiastic approve of how he handled himself.
I have seen many rude passengers on airplanes. Even frequent fliers act entitled and behave badly in pursuit of their perceived rights. It sounds like Slater had a bad case scenario on his hands, but he has galvanized an image for himself that is not conducive for good in our society. Slater symbolizes a growing attitude toward such fundamental landmarks like authority, law and order, civility, and responsibility. He jeopardized the safety of people on the ground, broke clearly stated industry rules, used profanity over the loudspeaker, and has remained to this point mostly unapologetic.
People have said they wish they could pull a “Steve Slater” and walk away from their job so flamboyantly. Only the economy and related economic realities keep them in check. Is he the working man’s hero? Or is he the latest symptom that betrays a societal, spiritual sickness?
If everyone were to behave like Mr. Slater did yesterday, society would be on the brink of collapse. Blatant disregard for others already characterizes a great many people in our world. Outbursts of anger, clearly condemned in scripture (Gal. 5:20), certainly do not characterize “those who belong to Christ Jesus” and “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). Can you imagine a world where everybody did what they felt without regard for the other person? New Testament writers urge self-control and deference to others, even if it means going a second-mile and turning the other cheek (Matt. 5:39, 41). We are to repay evil with good (1 Th. 5:15). We are not to return evil for evil or insult for insult (1 Pet. 3:9). Mr. Slater did not accomplish those things with his little meltdown, and he should not be hailed as a hero. What a wonderful day it will be when the cult heroes are those who are renowned for their civility, dignity, and selflessness!
–Neal Pollard