A commentary in response to this CNN Story.
Throughout time, few things have caused people to do good, more than religion. Living by a code has long brought satisfaction, and self worth to people who couldn’t derive worth from fellow man alone. It was the introduction of a higher power, God, that let people find meaning in their lives.
Human existence, as we know it today, has always been a survival of the fittest. Today, this phenomenon is seen as the “superiority complex.” By asserting oneself better than a fellow person, one is able to write off any social threat posed by them. In this day in age, threats rarely come in the confrontational form, rather, as a challenge to one’s status.
One of the better facets of America, and part of it’s success, is the personal definition of self. Instead of one’s notion of ’self’ coming [mandatorily] from society, or from the state, everyone posesses the option to define themselves as they wish.
In history, when the idea of “self” is threatened, terrible things have happened. Take for a cliche` example, a pre-Hitler Germany. Most Germans defined themselves as a strong people. When they lost World War 1 and had reparations taken on them, the sense of self was threatened. It was in this weekened state Hitler took his hold on the German people.
In a similiar fashion, being differentiated from the group is just as serious an attack as a defeat to national pride. As in the story, both groups of people were equally threatened. Primarily, the pilot created an atmosphere of difference between the passengers. In addition, he suggested that every Christian aboard would like to convert people. The closest parralell this author could draw would be football fans. It’s generally understood that recruiting fans for the ‘home team’ is frowned upon. However friendly conversations can be had with the understanding both people are happy at their current camps, and they aren’t interested in switching The common element is everyone likes football.
In conclusion, the pilot here put everyone’s worth in jeopardy in an effort to gain converts for his religion. When one really examines the actions, the true motive becomes clear. By converting people, he obviously thinks that his views are right. Since this pilot is better [than others not of his faith], he is able to assert his worth over those not of his faith, justified by the highest power. Because he actively converts people to his faith, he makes himself better than those of his faith who do not. Finally, because he is converting people to his faith, he’s seen as holier in God’s eyes, since he’s doing His bidding. Obviously, those who are the holiest go to heaven for an eternity of pleasure and leisure. It’s good to see the selfless act of preventing his fellow peers from going to hell done for all the right reasons.
Just remember, everyone likes football.
