Imagine you’re on a plane. In the middle of the flight, a major problem occurs, and the crew (who, remember, are on the same damn plane) issue instructions to you. One of those instructions might involve putting on a mask…
Wow! It’s even a rebreather!
As you exercise your critical thought, you realise the following:
- This is an unusual situation. The crew seem to be doing things they don’t usually do, and with a degree of urgency. They appear to be following the same instructions they are giving.
- You are not certified on this particular aircraft, and are incompletely aware of the nature of the problem, not being present on the flight deck and receiving all relevant information
- Commands are being issued that seem to take the safety of passengers into consideration as a group, rather than considering the exact amount of legroom that the lady in 18b has.
- Time is of the essence
As you realise these things, does your thought lead to:
A) The conclusion that the flight crew are a cabal running an elaborate hoax that actually threatens you?
B) The awareness that your freedoms are being transgressed in such a way that you ought to start a violent resistance amongst the passengers?
C) The revelation that - because you have played Flight Simulator and know what AWACS stands for - your extensive experience and research enables you to fly the plane for yourself? or
D) The understanding that this situation is serious, experts are doing their best, and you can help improve the likelihood of a good outcome by being conscientious and co-operative?
All analogies are false, but this one is far less false than you might think. We’re all on the same plane here, and unfortunately some people have proven they would rather take everyone down with them than learn some humility and do what they’re damn well told by experts who have not only risked but given their lives to protect them.