So, there's a blog and blogger out there that isn't my cup of tea... but like a train wreck, it's just something that I can't turn away from. The media, the whining, the cupcakes, the not losing weight in YEARS.... it's just all strange to me.
I was blogging and not losing for a period of 2 months and felt like a jackass. Remember this little period of my life:
http://missapril-30before30.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-dont-even-want-to-push-publish-button.html
I don't understand blogging for years and not losing any weight. I guess when I say this community is a great support and good friendly cyber ass kicking when I need it - I mean it. If I wasn't utilizing it for that and being genuinely helped in the process, I would leave. My blog is much more than weight loss, there's a whole list of things I'm working on... however, that has become a primary focus. As much as I adore all of you, if I was blogging just to blog and talk about cupcakes and getting my nails done - I would find myself to be pointless and go out and live my life, posting not included. I'm rational like that though... not everyone is.
So anyhow, back to the train wreck that I can't stop watching......... It blogged about hating Southwest Airlines a few times now. I commented on the one in December, but I was quite careful with my words. I was very diplomatic because I know that only 'nice' comments are actually posted on this particular blog. Here is what I said, and really... I meant it (at the time):
, I’m sorry you had to experience this. I’m glad you are
speaking out about it in a public forum as awareness and action needs to
be taken.
The strange thing is that Southwest is my airline of choice. I only
fly Southwest and I fly a couple times a year. For work trips, I tell
them to book Southwest even though the airport is 4 hours away vs. the
one 2 hours away with other airlines. They treat me so well. I’m
always a little nervous when I get in line, but it’s mostly looks from
other customers. The agents are always very nice and treat me just like
everyone else, even at my highest weight of 333 to my weight when I
flew with them last week of 260.
http://missapril-30before30.blogspot.com/2011/10/some-observations-from-vacation.html
*That’s a post from my recent trip to Vegas. Item #1 talks about my
only interaction from SWA staff and he was so nice and discreet about
it.
Don’t get me wrong, , (or other readers)… I’m not trying to
invalidate your feelings or the gravity of the situation you experienced
with them. I think it just goes to show it is a ‘gamble’. Maybe
you’ll be treated well, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll be humiliated or
maybe you’ll be treated like gold. On that same trip, when I was
checking my bags – the lady said, “hey do you want some drink tickets? A
guy had free ones, but didn’t want them.” Extra perks for a fat white
woman like myself…. and you get the devil’s treatment. It is horrible.
They do need their whole policy revamped, solidified and followed with
consistency.
You’re a trooper to give them a second chance, I don’t think I could
if I was treated like you were. I hold grudges, big time. Kudos for
speaking out, fight the good fight with this. I wish you well!
Ok, so at that time, I was genuinely sympathetic over the situation that she had (again). We have all had those days as fatties (I can say that because I am one, suckas!).... rude looks from staff, a snarky comment from an employee somewhere, being laughed at by a complete stranger... it happens. I think it does seem to be a gamble with Southwest or with anyone else really, you may not be treated well. That's life, right?! That particular post went all over the place and started making allegations that maybe the blogger was treated poorly because she was a fat, white woman. Would they treat a large black woman the same? Puh-lease!!! That is taking the victim card way too fuckin' far, in my personal opinion. That's why I added how I got the free drink tickets as a fat, white woman.
So, today's post says she is suing SWA. Not for money, of course. For attention! :) In my personal opinion, which I'm entitled to have... remember? Don't say I'm wrong or insult me or I'll sue you for no money because you violated my constitutional rights........... What.The.Fuck.Ever. I'm not sympathetic any more, I'm annoyed.
So, here's my comment from today after the lawsuit announcement:
Southwest continues to be my airline of choice, from when I was well over 300 pounds to now and in the future. I have never had a problem with them. I commented on your last post about it and I'll say it again. If you were that apprehensive about it, maybe you shouldn't have used the vouchers in the first place?! I wouldn't have given someone a second chance if I was that upset about being treated poorly. There are plenty of other airlines out there, but some people just can't turn down a freebie. It was your choice to accept the vouchers and use them. It was also your own behavior that had you at the same size on the second flight, potentially opening up the same criticism. A clear policy would be nice, but the world doesn't revolve around the feelings of obese people (mine included). Some airlines don't even have a 'customers of size' policy, so at least SWA has tried to address the issue. If a traveler has concerns about fitting into the seat or facing humiliation, there is a reason for that - it comes down to personal responsibility. I don't think it's their policy that is the culprit, it's probably a matter of employee training - which all large corporations could use a little more of on their bad days. Who knows, maybe something good will come out of this?
My guess is that it won't be published, but I could be wrong. I just don't know how much more clear the SWA policy could be - and I don't think it's the policy. It's employee training. So how would you make the policy more transparent than it is? You can't set a 'weight' limit. What if you're a big, muscular football player so you hit the weight limit? That isn't fair. You can't really set a more specific inches limit that would make any sense. What if you're the same football player who has broad shoulders and touches the top part of the next person's seat - do they have to buy two seats? That isn't fair.
I had to get this out there, if you have any opinions or potential remedies... let me know. I generally don't engage in this back and forth with other bloggers, it's really not a picture of who I am.... but when enough is enough, I've got to say something to get it off my mind.
I just flew with SWA for my birthday trip to Vegas two weeks ago and it was fantabulous! I also used them for my Albuquerque trip in March and that was fabulous. I'm booking my July trip to Seattle with them. I am possibly going to DC early August and will use them. Umm.... Los Angeles in the fall, New Orleans for my 12/12/12 trip - yup.... Southwest all the way, baby!! :) Life isn't fair. Suck it up, buttercup!
Jeez, only three days in to my return to blog land and I'm up in arms about something - go figure. Now, back to our regularly scheduled awesomeness!! :)
