Pro choice tee w/"fuck" too offensive for airline

[mominatrix]

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American Airlines Boots Woman With Pro-Choice T-Shirt From Flight

—By Kate Sheppard
| Wed May. 23, 2012 8:09 AM PDT

2

t-shirt Crock Tees

Can an airline boot a passenger for wearing a T-shirt it deems "offensive"? That's apparently what happened to one woman wearing a pro-choice T-shirt on an American Airlines flight out of Washington this week, RH Reality Check reports.

The woman boarded her first flight just fine, wearing a T-shirt that read, "If I wanted the government in my womb, I'd fuck a senator." (The shirt was made in response to a sign that an Oklahoma lawmaker made earlier this year to protest a proposed law granting rights to fertilized eggs.) But as the woman was about to deboard to switch to her next flight, a flight attendant approached her and told her that she needed to talk to the captain because her T-shirt was "offensive." The woman, identified only by the initial "O," described the incident to RH Reality Check:

When I was leaving the plane the captain stepped off with me and told me I should not have been allowed to board the plane in DC and needed to change before boarding my next flight. This conversation led to me missing my connecting flight. I assumed that because I was held up by the captain, they would have called ahead to let the connecting flight know I was in route. Well, upon my hastened arrival at the gate of the connecting flight, it was discovered that they did indeed call ahead but not to hold the flight, only to tell them I needed to change my shirt. I was given a seat on the next flight and told to change shirts.

Her bags were checked through to her final destination, so she couldn't change shirts. She said she ended up covering it up with a shawl, and was able to get home on the later flight.

American Airlines media relations representative Tim Smith told Mother Jones via email that it was the language on the shirt, not the message, that prompted the response. "Let me strongly emphasize that the only reason she was asked to cover up her T-shirt was the appearance of the 'F-word' on the T-shirt," he wrote. He pointed to a line in the airline's "Conditions of Carriage" that notes that the airline can refuse to transport a passenger or can remove them from a flight at any point if they "Are clothed in a manner that would cause discomfort or offense to other passengers."

"[O]ur crew has the final say on any type of garment that could make others uncomfortable," wrote Smith. "Among such issues, we routinely do not allow any garment of any type to display that word." In a follow-up email, he again stated that it was not the pro-choice message that prompted the incident, but the f-bomb.

The incident certainly raises questions about what an airline can deem offensive. Her shirt didn't present a security threat, nor would it make anyone physically uncomfortable. They just didn't like the word choice. I can think of a lot of T-shirts that make me uncomfortable (like this one or these). So what are the limits to what an airline can deem offensive?

www.motherjones.com/mojo/2012/05/airline-makes-stir-over-pro-choice-t-shirt

[laurenpetro]

not bothered by this at all.

[ringstrue]

They should have not made her miss her flight. Use a shawl, turn it inside out, whatever - get her on her next flight. That's BS.

Also, how many passengers have their front or back in public view long enough to get "spotted" in the first place, let alone cause so much offense as to not let her board? Most are sitting at the terminal, then standing in line, then sitting in a seat.

How did the flight attendant see her back so much? on the way back from the bathroom?

[pixy0stix]

The older I get, the less tolerance I have about this. There's other ways to get across your message in public than using offensive words (says the lady who likes to use "fuck" entirely too much on the internet).

[pixy0stix]

May 23, 2012 11:09:29 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

May 23, 2012 11:08:13 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

The older I get, the less tolerance I have about this. There's other ways to get across your message in public than using offensive words (says the lady who likes to use "fuck" entirely too much on the internet).

Or, just have a backup plan in case someone has a problem with it and you need their services.

Well that too.

[heyjude]

I don't have a problem with this.

[secretlyevil]

May 23, 2012 10:50:27 GMT -5 mominatrix said:

"If I wanted the government in my womb, I'd fuck a senator."

[/url][/quote]

That's hilarious!

Not that I necessarily agree with it but if AA has a policy against offensive language than yeah they're in the right. They are a private company and just because we have "freedom of speech," doesn't mean people are free from consequences.

If they can't prove they had a standing policy then they're stepping over the line and need to let that woman fly first class free for a year or more. 'Cause they suck.

[ECB]

I cuss way too much. W/o question. But I too have no issue with what happened.

I just feel like our society is going down this path where it's all about our individual rights to the degree that basic social norms/etiquette are being thrown to the wayside.

"I should be able to express MY views and it doesn't matter how that might upset or offend other people!!!"

I just find it a very narcisstic, entitled attitude.

[statlerwaldorf]

A lot of places do not allow shirts with vulgar words.

[msmerymac]

May 23, 2012 11:08:13 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

The older I get, the less tolerance I have about this. There's other ways to get across your message in public than using offensive words (says the lady who likes to use "fuck" entirely too much on the internet).

Or realize there's a time and a place to wear that. Like at a protest rally or another pro-choice event. And by "that" I don't just mean offensive words, but highly politically charged things in general.

Example: I've been considering buying some kind of pro-vegetarian t-shirt. I would wear this to vegetarian and vegan events (yes, I actually go to many). I would not wear this randomly to, say, the County Fair's 4-H exhibit. I would also lean towards something that said "Veggie Chick" or another non-offensive phrase vs. something like "Meat: It's What's Rotting in Your Colon."

This is also why I don't have any political bumper stickers on my car. Great for when I'm driving in a liberal neighborhood. Not great for parking in a garage with my coworkers/bosses daily. Too passively-confrontational for my taste.

[meshaliuknits]

May 23, 2012 11:18:07 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

"Fuck" is a dirty word for sure, but what's next, people who don't pull their pants up all the way, having underwear sticking out the back, someone who wears a concert t-shirt that with a bikini-clad woman on the front. I can see AA kicking someone off the flight for being too stupid to understand how non-offensive a certain message actually is... or for thinking something stands for something that it doesn't. I'm thinking of the Nirvana album cover with the swimming baby. AHHHH BABY PENISES (PENI?) ARE OFFENSIVE!!!!!

I think that already happened on SW a while back.

[emilyj]

As someone who uses fuck quite liberally, I don't have a problem with this as long as they truly were doing it because of the word fuck, and not because of the message of her shirt.

I swear a lot. A fuck ton. But I don't swear while I'm teaching my classes. I don't swear when students come in to my office hours. I don't (generally) swear during faculty meetings. And if I'm in public or on a plane talking to my husband, I try not to go off on a rant and say fuck loudly enough to be heard by the people around me. Yes, it's my right to say "fuck" any time I damn well please, but I also understand that a) other people are offended by the word and b) I don't want to be responsible for any parents having to have the conversation with your children about why fuck is not appropriate to be saying in public, and just because that rude lady said it doesn't mean it's ok.

[wornoutfret]

May 23, 2012 11:18:07 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

I have a problem with this because it is completely subjective and likely to lead to abuse. What is offensive? Who has to be offended? THe pilot? Yeah, I bet he spent a ton of time looking at her shirt? Did they actually get any complaints from other passengers.

"Fuck" is a dirty word for sure, but what's next, people who don't pull their pants up all the way, having underwear sticking out the back, someone who wears a concert t-shirt that with a bikini-clad woman on the front. I can see AA kicking someone off the flight for being too stupid to understand how non-offensive a certain message actually is... or for thinking something stands for something that it doesn't. I'm thinking of the Nirvana album cover with the swimming baby. AHHHH BABY PENISES (PENI?) ARE OFFENSIVE!!!!!

you're like an anti-gay marriage person explaining why allowing gays to marry will lead to people fucking horses legally.

[Deleted]

May 23, 2012 11:08:13 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

The older I get, the less tolerance I have about this. There's other ways to get across your message in public than using offensive words (says the lady who likes to use "fuck" entirely too much on the internet).

Ditto :Y: Its fine to feel passionately about something, but no need to be klassy and have F bombs on your shirt.

[jigsy]

I don't know. I mean, I get that AA is a private company, but Cohen v. California established that speech political in nature was protected...and it was kind of a similar situation, what with the Fuck word and all. If you want to make a statement, you got to be ready for the consequences.

but I have a hard time thinking that AA is all that concerned about keeping their company free from offensiveness. The stories my husband tells me from centerport makes me cringe.

[thejackpot]

I am sure she wore that shirt hoping to ruffle some feathers, it worked and she missed her flight. Stinks to be her. Wear appropriate clothes to fly.

[Deleted]

I can't believe she looked at this shirt and said, yannowut? Imma wear dis to the airport.

Uhm, no.

[earlgreyhot]

I'm with spb and think AA crossed a line on asking them to remove her shirt. How does this stand out from all they see every single day that they felt inclined to enforce their vague rule? It's hard to imagine it wasn't at least a little politically motivated as the message touched on a very hot topic right now, but there's no real evidence to prove it.

[MrsDL]

May 23, 2012 13:47:24 GMT -5 earlgreyhot said:

I'm with spb and think AA crossed a line on asking them to remove her shirt. How does this stand out from all they see every single day that they felt inclined to enforce their vague rule? It's hard to imagine it wasn't at least a little politically motivated as the message touched on a very hot topic right now, but there's no real evidence to prove it.

You and spb make fair points, but I also think it's fair to point out that this particular instance is making press because it is a political hot topic. I think it's naive to believe no other passengers in AA history have been subject to the same thing for wearing something inappropriate. You just don't hear about it on a daily basis. If a college kid wearing a shirt with the word "Fvck" on it receives the same treatment, he probably just changes or gets on another flight (and maybe a lecture from his parents on common sense). Unless he wants media attention, we're all clueless that it even happened.

I don't care about the shirt - I also think it's funny, but not something I'd wear in public, particularly with children around. This woman had to know she'd be running into kids somewhere. Most people would agree that a shirt, or somebody saying the F bomb over and over (which is really what the shirt does), would be offensive at the very least to parents who try hard to avoid their kid picking that stuff up. I imagine the holy rollers and some old folk don't appreciate the foul language either.

I agree that the policy should be revised, perhaps to include attire that contains swearing, crude pictures, etc. Hell, if they don't want political statements on passengers shirts - come out and say it and apply it for both sides. But this, this should come as no surprise to this woman. She wanted to shock, she did, and she paid a price for it. Personally, I think she deserved what she got for being so full of herself and stupid.

[earlgreyhot]

May 23, 2012 14:10:34 GMT -5 MrsDL said:

You and spb make fair points, but I also think it's fair to point out that this particular instance is making press because it is a political hot topic. I think it's naive to believe no other passengers in AA history have been subject to the same thing for wearing something inappropriate. You just don't hear about it on a daily basis. If a college kid wearing a shirt with the word "Fvck" on it receives the same treatment, he probably just changes or gets on another flight (and maybe a lecture from his parents on common sense). Unless he wants media attention, we're all clueless that it even happened.

I don't care about the shirt - I also think it's funny, but not something I'd wear in public, particularly with children around. This woman had to know she'd be running into kids somewhere. Most people would agree that a shirt, or somebody saying the F bomb over and over (which is really what the shirt does), would be offensive at the very least to parents who try hard to avoid their kid picking that stuff up. I imagine the holy rollers and some old folk don't appreciate the foul language either.

I agree that the policy should be revised, perhaps to include attire that contains swearing, crude pictures, etc. Hell, if they don't want political statements on passengers shirts - come out and say it and apply it for both sides. But this, this should come as no surprise to this woman. She wanted to shock, she did, and she paid a price for it. Personally, I think she deserved what she got for being so full of herself and stupid.

Maybe AA crew give passengers the boot all the time for inappropriate attire and this is just one example that MJ picked up. I'd love to know more about that.

I definitely disagree with the lady's decision to wear the shirt on a plane. And maybe a revision and clarification of the policies, but really, it's a shirt and on an otherwise unassuming person I feel like we can let these things go and just avoid the wearers.

[summer]

Have I been in Europe too long? Who does it hurt that a Tshirt says "fuck" on it? A kid might read it? And? And why does it matter so much that a plane can't take off and land with her on it. It's petty, IMO. Wear a confederate flag, or whatever. What diff does it make to me? I'll judge the person wearing it but to miss a flight over it? AA has nothing better to do?

[emilyj]

May 23, 2012 13:35:43 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

I guess it takes a lot for me to get offended by simple language, so if I saw a shirt like this on a plane or really anywhere, I don't think I'd be much phased by it. I would be troubled if an airline applied is incredibly vague policy (so vague that it does not place people on any kind of notice of what will and will not be tolerated) to allow me to fly one part of a trip, and then held me up such that I missed my connecting flight, when the arbitrarily decided to enforce their vague policy during my layover.

And with this, I'm right there with you. If I had seen this shirt, I would have laughed and said "That's awesome." But that's me. And that's you. And our tolerance is probably not the norm. If my mother was standing next to me, she would have been incredibly offended - not by the political message, but by the word fuck.

I'm not surprised at all that AA made her cover up. This isn't the first story I've seen where a company has asked a person to change their clothes/turn it inside out when there has been obscene language on the clothes.

I'm not sure how you make this kind of policy not vague though - because how do you really define "uncomfortable" across the board? I think you can assume that for the most part, wearing a shirt with curse words is going to be frowned upon in most public places.

[wornoutfret]

are you upset that people who speed aren't always ticketed?

[ringstrue]

May 23, 2012 14:29:01 GMT -5 summer said:

Have I been in Europe too long? Who does it hurt that a Tshirt says "fuck" on it? A kid might read it? And? And why does it matter so much that a plane can't take off and land with her on it. It's petty, IMO. Wear a confederate flag, or whatever. What diff does it make to me? I'll judge the person wearing it but to miss a flight over it? AA has nothing better to do?

No I'm right there with you. I don't get airplane dress codes.

[basilosaurus]

It would have been fine if she were on a flight to Japan.

[basilosaurus]

Apparently it was some unintentional gaffe, as they shortened fukubukuro, which means lucky bags, and is a new years tradition where stores pack up bags of overstock and sell them at a discount.

Also, they fixed it

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[2vermont]

I don't know. I see this much like a restaurant requiring certain attire in order to eat at their establishment.

[msmerymac]

Remember the days when people used to dress nicely for flights? Yeah, I know. I usually take a red eye, which means I wear yoga pants and t-shirts, too.

Anyway, the point of this and the Orthodox-Jewish-lingerie-wholesaler thread from yesterday is to have a specific dress code in writing.

[2vermont]

May 23, 2012 12:59:42 GMT -5 thejackpot said:

I am sure she wore that shirt hoping to ruffle some feathers, it worked and she missed her flight. Stinks to be her. Wear appropriate clothes to fly.

We have a winner. She probably had a Republican shove literature in her face at her door the day before.

[doctorwho]

May 23, 2012 11:14:23 GMT -5 ECB said:

"I should be able to express MY views and it doesn't matter how that might upset or offend other people!!!"

I just find it a very narcisstic, entitled attitude.

I think you're seeing broad entitlement where actual entitlement exists. Since we are, in fact, entitled to exactly that. So no surprise there. Do you have to take all of the fallout from expressing that opinion? Yes. And she did. And she's entitled to have an opinion on their craptastic policy as well.