Rachael: I had to take a few flights this past Sunday and Monday, and I was doing my readings on the plane. At one point I was interrupted by the very pretty hostess, who wanted to know is she could get me something to drink. After I got my Diet Coke and she was walking away, it had me thinking. I have flow A LOT in the past couple of years, and on almost every flight, when the pilot speaks to the passengers after take-off, it has been a man. I have never, and you can quote me, heard a female pilot over the intercom. In fact, one of the times when we had a rough, swervy landing, a man near me made a loud comment, “must be a woman driving,” and many who were around him laughed. I was offended! I’m a woman and I think I’m a pretty good driver, thank you! But that’s not the point! Many of the hostesses on planes are, and have been, predominately female. They are the ones making sure everyone is comfortable, serving the drinks and food, cleaning up, being cordial, and usually look good. Singapore Airlines prides itself on its service from beautiful Asian women who wear costumes and lots of make-up. And who’s up front (doing the ‘work’)? The man. Why wasn’t this reversed more? Yes, I have seen male attendants, but who are you used to being ‘served’ by? Once these thoughts came into my head I couldn’t let them go. We’re so use to serving it’s hard to stop. Continue reading →