MAS Stewardess - The Stereotype

Over the past few years, I have seriously made a conscious effort to not judge people based on their stereotype, nor their looks. I have realized that stereotyping all blondes as "dumb" is dumb in itself (not like many Malaysians are blonde, but oh well I hope you get my drift) as many gorgeous and well-groomed people out there tend to smart and successful as well.

Anyway, back on topic. The MAS Stewardess stereotype - in my experience, the common thing that happens when they are mentioned, is "Oh. Pretty girls looking for a rich husband, get paid to travel & love bonking the pilot". Probably because of all the sex scandal stories which had been circulated about the MAS cabin crew. Huge detriment to their image, eh.

I don't get to travel much, but over the past year or so I did my bit of business travels. I had always found most of the stewardesses of the airlines I used pretty much friendly and willing to assist - as well as being pretty strict when it comes to adhering to airline safety upon take off and landing. Which is definitely what you want in an employee. Plus, there never seemed to be any extra special attention thrown on the obviously rich businessmen.

So far so good, I felt proud of myself that I didn't subconsciously label the stewardesses as air-headed gold diggers. To be frank, I had heard that to be selected as a stewardess, you had to go through a pretty rigorous selection process, so not everyone would be able to make the cut.

But seriously, it only took one flight to change my mind.

I was on a short flight back from Jakarta one day, sitting at the aisle, next to some middle aged European guy (I do not know of what nationality, it really did not matter). He was trying to be friendly and tried to make casual conversation, as most people sitting next to you on a plane do.

However, his conversation turned towards his "conquests". He was telling me about all the girls he meets on his business trips, and how he had some really sweet girls in Malaysia. How one of the sweet girls cried when he left, and wrote him a really touching note, which in turned made him cry. And of their travels to beautiful islands such as Redang together.

It was all getting a little uncomfortable, and as I usually do, I avoid further conversation by turning my head away, plugging in my earphones and pretending to sleep. The only times I ever got disturbed by this guy after that was when he got out of his seat.

He only came back just as the plane was about to land - seriously, when the wheels were extended and it was just less than 5 minutes to landing. He probably violated all the safety measures possible then and there:

1. Chair reclined.
2. Tray table down, with cup of red wine still sitting on it.
3. Not wearing seat belt.
4. Stands up every few seconds to look out the window.
5. Messes with his handphone / PDA.

So this stewardess came over. "Great, PLEASE give this guy a warning," I was thinking to myself. The red wine on the tray table next to me was making me nervous, ok. I didn't want the damned thing spilling on me! Well the guy picked up his drink (phew!) and smiled at the stewardess.

"Hah! He's going to get it!" <--- yes, me again. So she stones for awhile, standing on the aisle, then reaches her arm past me, and strokes this man's arm and purred, "Nice meeting you, sir. You have my number; keep in touch." Then walks off. Just. Like. That.

All credibility. All assurance that we will be kept safe from harm. Baboom!! Bye bye. Out the bloody window, never to be seen again.

And I really did try hard to disprove the stereotype. Honest.