Poor Papa Freddy. Somebody forgot to tell him only gay people can call each other faggots. And even then it's gotta be a joke. And for this horrible, horrible blunder, 82-year-old Freddy Schmitt, a WWII veteran, will pay with the remaining eight months he planned to work before retiring, and his travel and health care benefits.
In a discussion about “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” Freddy told his coworkers, “Back then, a faggot coulda saved my life.” But Freddy didn't mean anything by it. As a matter of fact, he was defending their right to serve in the military.
Freddy's worked for American Airlines for 54 years, and has a completely blemish-free employment record, being from the era of ball-busting bosses and hard workers. But none of that mattered when he used a homosexual slur in the workplace, and blew off the boss's reprimand.
It's stories like this one that make you wonder how far is too far. Sure, we'd rather people avoid offending each other, but is this really the appropriate punishment for an old man, set in his ways, who meant no harm?
In a discussion about “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” Freddy told his coworkers, “Back then, a faggot coulda saved my life.” But Freddy didn't mean anything by it. As a matter of fact, he was defending their right to serve in the military.
Freddy's worked for American Airlines for 54 years, and has a completely blemish-free employment record, being from the era of ball-busting bosses and hard workers. But none of that mattered when he used a homosexual slur in the workplace, and blew off the boss's reprimand.
It's stories like this one that make you wonder how far is too far. Sure, we'd rather people avoid offending each other, but is this really the appropriate punishment for an old man, set in his ways, who meant no harm?
While I don't agree with his use of the word, it seems that he didn't mean harm by it. I also don't believe that he should have been terminated for a first time use of inappropriate language. A warning or write up should have been sufficient. If it was continued behavior, then he should have been let go.
Ridiculous. argh.
How far is too far? Well, in this case, this is too far. Wrong choice of words from him perhaps, but AA overreacted pure and simple.
I do believe this was a case of taking things to far. I can applaud AA on trying to be politically correct, but I believe these situations need to be handled on a case-by-case basis. a 54-year veteran of the company deserved much more careful consideration before someone decided to terminate him for a wrong word choice.
WOW, never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Defending us? Yeah with a comment like "they're all faggots" Thanks, I feel real defended you bigot. Blemish-free employemnt? yeah except for all the other times this bigot has been talked to for his comments on minorities, women,a nd women int he work place. Oh yeah and WWII veteran? Since he turned 16 AFTER the war ended, how did he serve in WWII? Oh thats right he didn't.
it is amazing that people can burn the american flag' which hurts anyone who loves their country, under the 1st amendment freedom of speech to include the right to express oneself, yet you can not use the word faggot. seems to me all veterans serve to protect our rights yet they are being taken away. the word faggot doesn't hurt anyone when it is directed at no specific person.people can call others crackers, honkies, and that's fine? something is certainly wrong with society. this ww 2 vet desires to be honered not fired
The Truth Hurts - it depends what branch of the military he was in. The Merchant Marine accepted 16-year-old applicants. Not sure about other branches. Also, thousands of young Americans lied about their age and saw active duty at aged 16 and under.
i wonder how many people griping about this is aware that the term faggot also means a bundle of sticks or a cigarette. people of his advanced age at that point should just get a pat on the head and sent off for coffee or something. Its gotten to the point in our society that if someone looks at you crosseyed they get the crap sued out of them.
Kitsuneyouko5 - In England, faggots are also a delicious meatball like food in gravy. We all used to snigger when the TV advert for "Mr Brain's Faggots" came on.
Champagne and Benzedrine - I point out again that he didn't turn 16 until Sept. 1945, over a month after the war ended. Also those phrases for cigarettes and Mr. Brain's Faggots are well known on your side of the pond, not ours where this happened.
Not the best word choice, but the poor man didn't deserve such a harsh punishment. I feel sorry for him.
the veteran
just a thought isn't calling someone a bigot just as bad using the word faggot?
what does the good book say " let those without sin cast the first stone "
has anyone really not made a hurtfull remark or said things they are not sorry for ?
fact even audie murphy adjusted his age to get into the war, many 15 yr old s served
I seriously doubt that they fired him for using the word. It probably has more to do with "blowing off the reprimand"--as in, your employer expects a correction and you refuse. That is fireable, regardless of your age or tenure.
Also? It doesn't matter when someone uses words 'without meaning any harm'. The claim can be made by anyone--and is. But that is not the point--the point is that he said this at work. While working. Where you are not allowed to say whatever you want, 1st amendment or not. His civil rights are not being questioned, but his place in a business where talk is not welcome.
It is definitely unfortunate that this happened to him, and I can't say if I agree or not--that is completely between him and his employer's HR. If this meant to serve as example, most of you are definitely missing the point. The fact that many of you are trying to reduce the severity of that word also means you are missing the point.