When a video of an American Airlines pilot scolding his passengers during a pre-flight announcement went viral, some people deemed itOthers, including a Harvard University expert, are hailing the pilot's speech as an example of strong leadership — at a time when passengers desperately need it.
In the video, which started circulating last week, the pilot set some ground rules for his passengers — including what they should expect from their flight attendants, and how they should treat each other during the journey. The pilot added: "Be nice to each other. Be respectful to each other. I shouldn't have to say that ... But I have to say it every single flight, because people don't. And they're selfish and rude, and we won't have it."
Lastly, the pilot acknowledged the plight of the people in middle seats: "Middle seaters, I know it stinks to be in the middle ... You own both armrests. That is my gift to you. Welcome on board our flight."The speech — "a little bit of fatherhood," as the pilot deemed it — serves as a counterpoint to a bevy ofdepicting outbursts aboard aircrafts.