I used to hate when people would “blame the media” because I was a journalist and lumping everything under “the media” failed to take into account the hard work 99% of journalists and editors were doing. Yet now I find myself wanting to blame both social media and traditional media (though not sure there are nearly enough if those left or editors working at the ones that do exist) for the hyperbolic emphasis on the cruel, the awful, etc. No wonder we’re surprised when people work together and survive! Thanks for the dose of reality.
As a former and now current again journalist Cindy, I'd agree. Far too much hype of precisely the wrong things. The media worship narcissism — in CEOs, in political figures, in celebrities. That's toxic for everyone.
It's complicated, isn't it? There is SO MUCH great journalism, but yeah, there are problems, especially TV, local news, and cable news (IMHO). I think social media is a total cesspool.
No media since 1991 first gulf war when wolfie on teevee was so happy Humans were murdered with USA rockets. Forward 33 years wolfie still on and I am still not watching. If we visit family I will ask if teevee can be turned off. Answer OH yes we just always have IT on.
Now 33 years clean ! No network teevee, papers or mags.
Solution pay for information such as Solari report by CAF with weekly wrap up in 1.5 hours Thursday evening, Pay providers of good clean content free of agenda driven nonsense. I am a Chemist many times MSM is very funny covering anything scientific such as AGW, energy or topics that require math and logical thought.
However I may have to watch Buffalo Bills in playoffs and mute commercials.
Keep SMiling
The new maintenance procedure for aircraft tighten the nuts and bolts with two wrenches on delivery !
The vast majority of people, the silent majority that never makes headlines, are fundamentally good and well-meaning people. I can't say the same for many of the public figures dominating our media sphere. But that makes sense, if you think about the nature of narcissism, greed, and thirst for power vs humility, gratitude, and a solid work ethic.
Brent, I'm so sorry to know that Michael lost friends in the Alaska Airlines crash, which I do remember. I am surprised, however, that you did not discuss the increasing attention to corporate culture at Boeing: Basically, the gist of the reporting is that a company once led by professional engineers who cared about people and good work became one led by suits who cared about money and their own pockets. This cultural shift is not at all limited to aviation, and is having a catastrophic effect on hospitals, education, and, well, everything. Most people are good people, but the systems that have emerged give most power to those who aren't, and discouraged those who are. Worth checking out what Chesley Sullenburger , Miracle on the Hudson pilot, has had to say over the years.
I’ve been following your & Michael’s blog for awhile. No, not a paying customer yet, but I am going to buy you a coffee. Anyway, I appreciate this short essay, and the research & photos you included to make your points. It gave me a bit of happy-juice this morning. I also agree that most people, most of the time, are not a-holes. I am planning a cruise to Alaska for four adults- me (just retired a month ago), my wife and my 37 yo son & his girlfriend. Any suggestion on what cruise line would appeal to thirty-something’s? We are all outdoor adventure types, willing to get wet and cold if needed. May the new year ahead be your best ever....
Truthfully, my favorite cruise line is Holland America, because I think they have the best all-around food (outsight of the specialtry restraurants, which are just okay).
Princess might be more what you're looking for, if you want a "younger" vibe. And the food is also...fine.
I would avoid Norwegian, which we didn't really like (although they can be VERY cheap).
Don't know anything about Carnival (supposed to be more of a party line), and Royal Carribean has supposedly cleaned up their act in recent years.
I would check out CruiseCritic.com for more info. They have good articles and message boards!
I’m a flight attendant in the US, and the first thing my coworkers say about the JAL incident, is that if it were a US airline, there would likely have not been total cooperation and calmness among passengers. Video
from inside the cabin shows passengers sitting completely calm, awaiting flight attendant instructions, while the orange glow of fire is just outside the windows. Had just one panicked and pushed past a flight attendant to open the wrong aircraft door (only three of the eight were useable and evacuation was delayed for minutes while the captain coordinated with ground staff to determine useable exits), the cabin would’ve immediately filled with dense smoke and many would’ve died from inhalation and reduced visibility. It was truly a remarkable event, that I believe should be used by US authorities, airlines, and media to educate all on the necessity of listening to crew instructions. The crew here is totally responsible for saving many lives.
I can't tell you how many meat pies and sausage rolls I ate when my husband and I spent a month in Australia last year. I had been looking forward to having them (because of memories of our last trip there) and dove right in. I love them. But, as one who doesn't eat meat all the time, I quickly overdosed on them. I craved more veggies. So it was nice to find ones that had veggies in them as well. I'll still always love meat pies and look forward to having them when I return to Oz, but it was good to learn the lesson that they can't be an all-the-time food!
Predominantly a Japanese passenger list. They remained calm, as well as following instructions about leaving baggage behind. Would the behaviors have been different if it had been a plane load of Americans, or Italians, or Australians? We can't know for sure.
There is, perhaps, a misguided assumption that people will be irrational or hysterical in real moments of crisis or life and death. Often, a real crisis focuses the mind.
There are situational events where this doesn't hold, such as people being crushed, stampedes, brute strength, firearms, and so on, where cool heads or options aren't readily at hand.
What does it say about the media, or about us, to express surprise or admiration when people respond appropriately to a life and death situation, that they "follow orders"? People are highly compliant on a daily basis, including the people who see themselves as nonconformists.
It's amazing and wonderful that no one died in a self evidently catastrophic event. Kudos to every person on that flight for being a great human.
I guess because these are, by definition, very unique events, so you can never say for sure. But you're right, this has been studied fairly extensively, even if the details change.
Thanks for this. Really appreciate it. As someone who has quite a bit of anxiety about flying, it's a very useful reminder.
Also! A good reminder about the inherent nature of people. I love 'Lord of the Flies' but don't really believe it's central thesis. In fact, I wrote a YA book, 'No Adults Allowed', specifically to counter its points and explore a more positive attitude towards young people (and people generally). That was inspired in large part by observing my son (then 7) and his friends, and feeling a great swell of optimism for the future.
Alas, it's only available on Amazon. Very happy to ship you a copy or send you the ebook though, just message me your info. I think simonkjones@substack.com should reach me.
And yes - I like that LotF is of its time, as is all great science fiction.
I love that you've managed to turn the subject of plane crashes into a positive piece 😊 And I completely agree most people aren't assholes, and that we tend to find the evidence that reflects and supports our own beliefs. So those who believe the world is full of assholes will likely find that to be true!
I loved this post--because I truly believe that outside of cultic group dynamics, most people want to do the right thing. So, if we decide, everyday, that we want “the highest and the best” for everyone we encounter (and that is what love is)--and respond with compassion and nonjudgmentalism when someone is having a bad day, it’s contagious. Moreover, it changes us, and it changes others.
I spent a 30-year career in the FAA’s aviation safety division. We were the ones who approved training programs, pilots, dispatchers, and technicians. We also investigated accidents, incidents, and occurrences of all severities. It is, indeed, a safe system, though if you were in one of them having a bad day, you might not think so.
Good to know! Yes, this is what I have suspected. Not every human system works, but this one really seems to. I guess the consequences are just so extreme.
Definitely. If I had time, space, and inclination, I would tell you about a foreign passenger-carrying airplane taking off on a TAXIWAY that was shorter that the runway it served, fat with fuel for a very long flight to a faraway Pacific Rim country. Fortunately, they made it.
The next day, when my team and I began the investigation, we found clear markings that the airplane’s main truck had hit the snow berm at the end...the end that was about 200 feet above a very cold Alaskan sea. That was a very scary discovery.
Lithium batteries are scary. I wish they weren't in practically everything now.
As far as Lord of the Flies ... to me the main point of it is that the Beast, which the boys think of as some external monster, is not external at all. It is within each of us, and we are capable of restraining it or unleashing it. This was the truth Simon saw and was trying to deliver to the others when they--were not receptive to his message, shall we say!
Harper's magazine has run a few articles over the years--and I'm sorry I can't remember the author--about what actually happens after disasters. And the reality is that usually, instead of shooting one another over a can of tuna or a blanket, people come together and help one another. Community is mutually beneficial, and people who imagine they will be locking their neighbors out of their shelters are actually likely to need their neighbors' help, one way or another.
Yes, those batteries scare me, after that accident.
I love that! It makes sense, actually -- I have found, in our travels, that people are MOSTLY incredibly helpful and friendly. The only real exception is really touristy (and anonymous) areas, which is what you would expect. People are tired of tourists, who can be bad, and no real connections are being made.
I used to hate when people would “blame the media” because I was a journalist and lumping everything under “the media” failed to take into account the hard work 99% of journalists and editors were doing. Yet now I find myself wanting to blame both social media and traditional media (though not sure there are nearly enough if those left or editors working at the ones that do exist) for the hyperbolic emphasis on the cruel, the awful, etc. No wonder we’re surprised when people work together and survive! Thanks for the dose of reality.
As a former and now current again journalist Cindy, I'd agree. Far too much hype of precisely the wrong things. The media worship narcissism — in CEOs, in political figures, in celebrities. That's toxic for everyone.
Totally agree, Birgitte! (But I think the audience also responds to the wrong things far to often. Cough GAWKER Cough)
It's a hedonistic dance...
It's complicated, isn't it? There is SO MUCH great journalism, but yeah, there are problems, especially TV, local news, and cable news (IMHO). I think social media is a total cesspool.
Thanks for the nice words!
Really well said!
No media since 1991 first gulf war when wolfie on teevee was so happy Humans were murdered with USA rockets. Forward 33 years wolfie still on and I am still not watching. If we visit family I will ask if teevee can be turned off. Answer OH yes we just always have IT on.
Now 33 years clean ! No network teevee, papers or mags.
Solution pay for information such as Solari report by CAF with weekly wrap up in 1.5 hours Thursday evening, Pay providers of good clean content free of agenda driven nonsense. I am a Chemist many times MSM is very funny covering anything scientific such as AGW, energy or topics that require math and logical thought.
However I may have to watch Buffalo Bills in playoffs and mute commercials.
Keep SMiling
The new maintenance procedure for aircraft tighten the nuts and bolts with two wrenches on delivery !
I do think there is lots of great media, though. You just have to work a bit harder to find it.
The vast majority of people, the silent majority that never makes headlines, are fundamentally good and well-meaning people. I can't say the same for many of the public figures dominating our media sphere. But that makes sense, if you think about the nature of narcissism, greed, and thirst for power vs humility, gratitude, and a solid work ethic.
Haha, yes, there's something of a correlation.
Brent, I'm so sorry to know that Michael lost friends in the Alaska Airlines crash, which I do remember. I am surprised, however, that you did not discuss the increasing attention to corporate culture at Boeing: Basically, the gist of the reporting is that a company once led by professional engineers who cared about people and good work became one led by suits who cared about money and their own pockets. This cultural shift is not at all limited to aviation, and is having a catastrophic effect on hospitals, education, and, well, everything. Most people are good people, but the systems that have emerged give most power to those who aren't, and discouraged those who are. Worth checking out what Chesley Sullenburger , Miracle on the Hudson pilot, has had to say over the years.
Well said! Yup, America has increasingly misplace priorities.
Excellent article! If more people worked together, always, the world would be a better place.
So happy to read your articles.
Much appreciation and wishes for a calm year of travel for you two.
Mike and Sandy
Thank you! Very much, in fact.
Brent,
I’ve been following your & Michael’s blog for awhile. No, not a paying customer yet, but I am going to buy you a coffee. Anyway, I appreciate this short essay, and the research & photos you included to make your points. It gave me a bit of happy-juice this morning. I also agree that most people, most of the time, are not a-holes. I am planning a cruise to Alaska for four adults- me (just retired a month ago), my wife and my 37 yo son & his girlfriend. Any suggestion on what cruise line would appeal to thirty-something’s? We are all outdoor adventure types, willing to get wet and cold if needed. May the new year ahead be your best ever....
Thank you very much Kevin!
Truthfully, my favorite cruise line is Holland America, because I think they have the best all-around food (outsight of the specialtry restraurants, which are just okay).
Princess might be more what you're looking for, if you want a "younger" vibe. And the food is also...fine.
I would avoid Norwegian, which we didn't really like (although they can be VERY cheap).
Don't know anything about Carnival (supposed to be more of a party line), and Royal Carribean has supposedly cleaned up their act in recent years.
I would check out CruiseCritic.com for more info. They have good articles and message boards!
Maybe pay for content you enjoy to reward the creators for the hard work !
I’m a flight attendant in the US, and the first thing my coworkers say about the JAL incident, is that if it were a US airline, there would likely have not been total cooperation and calmness among passengers. Video
from inside the cabin shows passengers sitting completely calm, awaiting flight attendant instructions, while the orange glow of fire is just outside the windows. Had just one panicked and pushed past a flight attendant to open the wrong aircraft door (only three of the eight were useable and evacuation was delayed for minutes while the captain coordinated with ground staff to determine useable exits), the cabin would’ve immediately filled with dense smoke and many would’ve died from inhalation and reduced visibility. It was truly a remarkable event, that I believe should be used by US authorities, airlines, and media to educate all on the necessity of listening to crew instructions. The crew here is totally responsible for saving many lives.
Great perspective! But yeah, I wonder about that U.S. response too. It's a bit of a metaphor for how polarized and self-centered we have become. Oy.
I can't tell you how many meat pies and sausage rolls I ate when my husband and I spent a month in Australia last year. I had been looking forward to having them (because of memories of our last trip there) and dove right in. I love them. But, as one who doesn't eat meat all the time, I quickly overdosed on them. I craved more veggies. So it was nice to find ones that had veggies in them as well. I'll still always love meat pies and look forward to having them when I return to Oz, but it was good to learn the lesson that they can't be an all-the-time food!
It's absolute revolution in terms of non-meat options! Great for those of us who gravitate that way.
Predominantly a Japanese passenger list. They remained calm, as well as following instructions about leaving baggage behind. Would the behaviors have been different if it had been a plane load of Americans, or Italians, or Australians? We can't know for sure.
It is the real question. But the passengers and crew on the Alaska flight acted nobly too -- though the circumstances were very different.
There is, perhaps, a misguided assumption that people will be irrational or hysterical in real moments of crisis or life and death. Often, a real crisis focuses the mind.
There are situational events where this doesn't hold, such as people being crushed, stampedes, brute strength, firearms, and so on, where cool heads or options aren't readily at hand.
What does it say about the media, or about us, to express surprise or admiration when people respond appropriately to a life and death situation, that they "follow orders"? People are highly compliant on a daily basis, including the people who see themselves as nonconformists.
It's amazing and wonderful that no one died in a self evidently catastrophic event. Kudos to every person on that flight for being a great human.
I guess because these are, by definition, very unique events, so you can never say for sure. But you're right, this has been studied fairly extensively, even if the details change.
Thanks for this. Really appreciate it. As someone who has quite a bit of anxiety about flying, it's a very useful reminder.
Also! A good reminder about the inherent nature of people. I love 'Lord of the Flies' but don't really believe it's central thesis. In fact, I wrote a YA book, 'No Adults Allowed', specifically to counter its points and explore a more positive attitude towards young people (and people generally). That was inspired in large part by observing my son (then 7) and his friends, and feeling a great swell of optimism for the future.
Thank you! I actually likes Lord of the Flies too. Back in 1954 that probably needed to be said. Things are different now, and we need other POVs.
Speaking of which, your book sounds great! I just looked it up and it's not available in our library, alas. But good on you! Love the inspiration. 🙂🙂🙂
Alas, it's only available on Amazon. Very happy to ship you a copy or send you the ebook though, just message me your info. I think simonkjones@substack.com should reach me.
And yes - I like that LotF is of its time, as is all great science fiction.
I love that you've managed to turn the subject of plane crashes into a positive piece 😊 And I completely agree most people aren't assholes, and that we tend to find the evidence that reflects and supports our own beliefs. So those who believe the world is full of assholes will likely find that to be true!
Haha, Thank you! A lovely compliment! Yes, I do try....
I loved this post--because I truly believe that outside of cultic group dynamics, most people want to do the right thing. So, if we decide, everyday, that we want “the highest and the best” for everyone we encounter (and that is what love is)--and respond with compassion and nonjudgmentalism when someone is having a bad day, it’s contagious. Moreover, it changes us, and it changes others.
Thank you! And I believe that too. And yup, it's all contagious, alas. Not sure how social media plays into all this, but I don't think it's good.
I spent a 30-year career in the FAA’s aviation safety division. We were the ones who approved training programs, pilots, dispatchers, and technicians. We also investigated accidents, incidents, and occurrences of all severities. It is, indeed, a safe system, though if you were in one of them having a bad day, you might not think so.
Good to know! Yes, this is what I have suspected. Not every human system works, but this one really seems to. I guess the consequences are just so extreme.
Definitely. If I had time, space, and inclination, I would tell you about a foreign passenger-carrying airplane taking off on a TAXIWAY that was shorter that the runway it served, fat with fuel for a very long flight to a faraway Pacific Rim country. Fortunately, they made it.
The next day, when my team and I began the investigation, we found clear markings that the airplane’s main truck had hit the snow berm at the end...the end that was about 200 feet above a very cold Alaskan sea. That was a very scary discovery.
Wow. Terrifying. But I'm glad someone was at least checking.
I'm on your side with this one, Brent. Also, wow you guys have had some slightly terrifying close calls!
Thank you much!
And...yes. 'Nuff said about that, because IT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN.
Lithium batteries are scary. I wish they weren't in practically everything now.
As far as Lord of the Flies ... to me the main point of it is that the Beast, which the boys think of as some external monster, is not external at all. It is within each of us, and we are capable of restraining it or unleashing it. This was the truth Simon saw and was trying to deliver to the others when they--were not receptive to his message, shall we say!
Harper's magazine has run a few articles over the years--and I'm sorry I can't remember the author--about what actually happens after disasters. And the reality is that usually, instead of shooting one another over a can of tuna or a blanket, people come together and help one another. Community is mutually beneficial, and people who imagine they will be locking their neighbors out of their shelters are actually likely to need their neighbors' help, one way or another.
Yes, those batteries scare me, after that accident.
I love that! It makes sense, actually -- I have found, in our travels, that people are MOSTLY incredibly helpful and friendly. The only real exception is really touristy (and anonymous) areas, which is what you would expect. People are tired of tourists, who can be bad, and no real connections are being made.
Well said. 🙏🏼
Thank you!
Check out "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" on netflix just delightful !
We travel to Big Island Hawaii every year to 6 months for scuba and farmer markets.
I am always impressed with the flight., crew and infrastructure of an airport.
Last flight the attendants were passing out the United Captain's card to select passengers.
I received card with Happy Birthday greetings and thank you for flying United.
Oh, I'll check it out!
Yes, I agree about flight crews (with a few surly exceptions LOL)