“Rather than minding her own business, Watts decided to get on social media and spread half-truths and assumptions…”
Once again, we have witnessed the power of Twitter. Over the weekend, a woman named Shannon Watts took to her Twitter page to blast United Airlines after she witnessed an exchange that had absolutely nothing to do with her. From what Watts could gather, an employee from United denied boarding to two teenage females because they were wearing leggings. Ever the social justice warrior, Watts got on Twitter to report that the big bad airline was oppressing women based upon the partial conversation she stuck her nose into. It didn’t take long for the Twitter universe to blow up with outrage over an airline telling women what to do with their bodies.
This is a prime example of mob mentality and hysteria. Now let’s go over a few facts that Watts didn’t take it upon herself to learn before she blasted someone else’s business on Twitter. First, the passengers were employees of United Airlines and utilizing their free buddy passes, which are perks afforded to them that come with stipulations. One of those being that people who are flying using a buddy pass must dress accordingly. Professional attire is required because passengers are not only flying on United’s dime, they’re representing the airline. So the agent that was doing the boarding kindly let the family know that they were not in accordance with that policy. The family had no issues and stepped aside quietly without causing a scene—like civilized people.
Watts, on the other hand, took the opportunity to start a Twitter controversy. Even after the airline explained their policies on travel using the buddy pass, people were outraged. According to many, United is wrong because their requirements for professional attire are “gender specific” and sexist. As a woman, I fail to see this logic. The tickets were not purchased by an everyday traveler who was shamed for wearing the latest in quality leggings and left on the tarmac to wait for an Uber—they were FREE tickets issued with the understanding that policies must be followed to use them. By accepting the tickets, that family agreed to those policies and when they failed to abide by them, they were met with the consequences.
There are so many people who want exceptions and feel entitled to explanations over something they are not being forced to partake in. Rather than minding her own business, Watts decided to get on social media and spread half-truths and assumptions. She successfully started a trending attack on an airline for policies that don’t apply to everyone. United Airlines has said they stand by their policies and even released them for everyone to see.
There are plenty of businesses and professions that do not view leggings as proper attire. I’ve been employed by an organization that not only didn’t allow leggings, but also boots and yoga pants. I can’t say that I feel like my rights as a woman have been violated. I can say, however, that some places set high standards for their employees, and that those decisions are entirely up to them.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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