Women have been in aviation since the 1900’s with Raymonde de Laroche being the first licensed female pilot. We’ve all heard about Amelia Earhart’s name and her contribution to the profession. However, in 2018, it’s somehow still baffling for few 21st century men that female pilots exist. And since they aren’t ashamed of openly showing it, one pilot took them, and every sexist man in general, to task through a now viral Twitter thread.
Twitter user Charlotte, who is an Airline pilot, talked about how she had a great time at work and how it was ruined by two men who tried to pass off their sexist statements as jokes.
Had such a lovely day flying with an 👌 crew.
Baffled as to why 2 male pax felt that these comments were nescesarry.
‘I wont make any jokes about female drivers then’
‘Are you the pilot? If I’d know that I wouldnt have got on’
Fact is, I can fly an £80m jet, you can’t.
— Charlotte 👩🏻✈️ (@pilotcharlotte) May 20, 2018
However, Charlotte wasn’t having it that day. So, she talked about the misogyny women face at work and the dated arguments men use to seem superior.
Sexist jokes are not normal.
Being used to this kind of humour, my reaction of course was to be professional, laugh and ask them if they were enjoying the flight. It wasn't unit later when a cabin crew member expressed her anger at the comment that it made me think. Why is this normal?
— Charlotte 👩🏻✈️ (@pilotcharlotte) May 20, 2018
It’s a made up and unnecessary barrier.
It is this attitude that puts women off and another barrier stopping them from going into male dominated careers. It shouldn’t even be a thing!!! I am a pilot he is a pilot. See, there is no difference ….. #pilot
— Charlotte 👩🏻✈️ (@pilotcharlotte) May 20, 2018
This attitude must change.
I didn’t get where I am today by listening to these kinds of comments. I’m not offended, I’m not disheartened. I’m saddened by the fact that this is the attitude some still have and think it is ok to make these comments to women.
— Charlotte 👩🏻✈️ (@pilotcharlotte) May 20, 2018
Charlotte’s message resonated with all and netizens came to support her and condemn workplace sexism.
1. Best advice ever.
https://twitter.com/chiller/status/998152498836836352
2. Seconded.
Keep on keeping on, sister 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
— Melissa Harrison 🌾 (@M_Z_Harrison) May 20, 2018
3. Haters gonna hate.
https://twitter.com/LaurenAirshows/status/998197821735129089
4. Word!
I would be honored to fly with you!
— 2020🆘🇺🇸™ (@RidgewayRoad) May 20, 2018
Sexism has always been associated with stereotypes that may exist just because of a rumour and has no statistical data behind it. That’s why it comes off as unnecessary and avoidable. Women were, are and will be capable of doing so much more than men if they aren’t bogged by their egotistical counterparts. And since women are evolving in leaps and bounds in every profession, it’s high time for the society to retire any gender-based concepts and push for merit-based equality.