|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
|
I was disgusted by revelations
that it is Air New Zealand and Qantas policy not to seat unaccompanied
children beside men (Nov 30). It is galling that airlines have
made this decision arbitrarily and, in doing so, spread the myth that we men
are all dangerous perverts who, if left with a child, simply can not help
ourselves from committing acts of indecency. It is teaching our children that
all women are beyond reproach and that all men are to be feared. It this the
shape of the new segregation? I have been seated before on
overnight trains, buses and aircraft beside unaccompanied children and
thoroughly enjoyed the conversation that, each time, the child has
instigated. Now it seems the powers-that-be are determined to keep me and all
other men completely ringfenced. If I didn't have three nieces and
a baby nephew, I might die without ever talking to a child again. I expect it
is only a matter of time before we are seated in a male-only section --
complete with male stewards -- to ensure we do not sexually molest female
passengers or cabin staff. Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro
applauds the move. It is sad that our leading public servants also think that
the only way to keep children safe is to keep them away from the evil beast
that is man. No wonder we feel marginalised. |
