In the world of films and TV series, it's quite common to see a dramatic scene where a plane successfully lands after facing challenging circumstances, and the passengers break into applause to acknowledge the skill of the pilots. Interestingly, this practice is not limited to the screen but is also observed in real life, albeit with some debate surrounding its significance. Some passengers genuinely believe that higher powers are involved in ensuring a safe landing.
A recent Reddit post by user u/SakuraSan highlights an amusing encounter with an overly religious lady on a plane. The story quickly gained popularity, receiving over 10.2K upvotes and nearly 3.3K comments in just a week. So, let's dive into the tale together!
The original poster shared his experience on a flight that was initially canceled and later rescheduled due to bad weather. After boarding the aircraft, the flight proceeded smoothly. However, the real action unfolded after landing.
Seated near the author and his girlfriend was a visibly nervous lady. As the plane touched down successfully, but while the passengers were still inside, the woman loudly proclaimed that everyone onboard should praise Jesus for the safe flight and requested a round of applause in his honor.
The OP, without revealing his religious preferences or lack thereof, quickly grasped the situation. Seizing the moment, he began clapping his hands enthusiastically and exclaimed, 'Woohoo, thank you, Satan! You rule!' This unexpected response left the religious woman confused, while the OP's girlfriend gave him a disapproving look. Some nearby passengers chimed in, pointing out that everyone has their own beliefs.
Interestingly, the act of applauding after landing, even without prayers, has sparked lively discussions online in recent years. According to some experts, applauding after a calm flight might indicate that the clapper is not a frequent flier.
Clark McPhail, a sociology professor who studied collective actions at the University of Illinois, shared his thoughts on the matter. He believes that people applaud the pilot's skillful navigation because they feel relief after a bumpy flight. It signifies reaching the destination safely and putting an end to the suspense of potential turbulence leading to an unexpected ending.
The opinions among commenters on the original post were divided. Many praised the OP for his clever and swift way of silencing the annoying passenger. One commenter even noted, 'Never underestimate the power of a well-placed 'boooo sit down!'' Additionally, some people emphasized that the successful landing was primarily due to the reliable aircraft and the pilots' expertise. Sarcasm also made an appearance, with one person jokingly questioning how the religious lady knew the pilot's name was Jesus.
However, it's worth mentioning that some netizens openly admitted they would have been annoyed by both the lady and the original poster if they were on the same flight. 'I would've wanted both of you to shut tf up, honestly,' one commenter remarked. It raises an interesting question: what would your reaction be in a similar situation?
Applauding after a flight, especially a calm one, may polarize opinions, but it's undeniable that the landing's success depends on a multitude of factors, including the aircraft's reliability and the pilots' skill. Whether you choose to attribute it to divine intervention or human expertise, the act of applause symbolizes gratitude and relief for a safe end to the journey.
In the end, this lighthearted story reminds us of the diversity of beliefs and reactions that can unfold during a seemingly mundane event. And next time you find yourself on a plane, remember to be mindful of your surroundings and considerate of others' perspectives.
