Idioteque

Almost a week after the frightening, but impressive, series of events surrounding the emergency ditch landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, the shock and relief have worn off (some have even made light of the pilot's impending legal issues...). But I find it interesting, surprising, and somewhat offensive that a minor aspect of this story is being questioned, to the extent of outrage, instead of applauded. See below.

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From Daily News article "Miracle on the Hudson" about Flight 1549 (emphasis added)
"Passengers described the scene moments after the plane hit the water as "organized chaos." Yet, there was little panic as they helped each other reach the exit - allowing women and children to go first."


From a New York Fox station's website Q&A about the crash
"Q: When a plane goes down, are flight attendants trained to evacuate women and children first? Or do they evacuate based on who's nearest the exits?
A: Flight attendants are trained to react and make decisions based on the severity of the situation. In case of a fire, those nearest the exits will get out first.
But in a case like the US Airways flight, where there appears to be more time, then children, women or people who need assistance may be evacuated first.
Lonny Glover, national safety coordinator for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, said crews at American Airlines, where he works, are trained to let children, the elderly and injured people board inflated slides and rafts first.
If rafts fill up, physically able passengers should be told to hold onto the life lines on the sides, he said."

Then a low murmur starts to build in the blogosphere (I really hate that word...). Instead of "glad everyone's safe" or "thank you for your chivalrous and selfless act" it is "WTF is up with this 'women and children first' shit?? I thought we were past that??" There was even an email circulating earlier this week reporting that The National Organization for Women (NOW) was enraged by a man yelling "women and children first" and "will consider a lawsuit against him for defaming an entire gender." (Turns out it was one in a clever series of satirical faux newswires on politicalmavens.com)

Oh boy.

Granted, not all bloggers I read who brought up the topic were negative. Some actually appreciated the gesture. Some even connected it to Confucian ideals. Some even argued from the other side. This is getting messy.

Of course the comments on blogs like Gothamist and elsewhere were all over the place. As are most comment sections.

So, what do you think? What is your reaction? Does the edict of "women and children first" demean women (and children?) and undo all the hard work of the feminist and women's lib movements? Or do you not see a problem with it?

Cause I wasn't really outraged or upset either way when I read this swelling outcry, I just furrowed my brow and said... "Wait... seriously??"