Why did the story of JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater capture the imagination of the American people at a time when we should be focusing on serious issues -- like the struggling economy or the coming mid-term elections? Simple really.It's sheer vicarious fantasy. Haven't we all -- at various points in our careers -- wanted to quit our jobs because of the morons we have to work with? Haven't we all become exasperated by clients who behave like they're the only people on the planet and who are convinced that the rules don't apply to them?
And the way this fellow went out -- cursing out the passengers on the intercom, grabbing a couple of beers and sliding down the chute! Even Johnny Paycheck couldn't have dreamed up such a plan.
Slater has turned into a folk hero. Part of me thinks it was by design. Could a book deal be in the offing? How about "Take This Job and Shove It" for a title? And what brand of beer did he reach for? I foresee a TV spot for Sam Adams.
I seriously think Slater could get a 7-figure book deal out of this. I'm sure he has lots of stories about crazy passengers who do outrageous things. And one of 'em pushed him to the breaking point.
Sit him down with an experienced writer and editor and off we go. Good story.
P.S. Maybe Peggy Noonan is right. "JetBlue Nation" will throw the bums out in November.
I agree, Terry. There's a method to this guy's I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore madness. There will be a book. You can bet on that.
ReplyDeleteAnd remember that guy from the first Survivor season? This guy's better. We can call him: Richard " Escape " Hatch.
His 15 minutes is coming to an end very quickly....(maybe 13 1/2!)
ReplyDeleteI don't know why this story is so important to the networks. I switch channels when I see it being reported. I have better things to do like watch Jerry Springer.
ReplyDeleteRichie, I think it's important to the media for the same reasons I just enumerated above. It is a story that has captured the imagination of the American people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Terry on this one. It does capture the regular Joes in the country who would like to tell the elitist, I-know-everything types where to go. I can't tell you the number of times I would have liked to punch one of these privileged people right in the kisser.
ReplyDeleteYou go, Dennis!
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