Replies to '03/06 Etiquette Dilemmas'

How do you know that DrPhil GOT IT WRONG this time? The show hasn't even aired yet. We don't even know what he has to say on this. This young woman's skirt was much shorter than I would have worn or wanted my 19 year old daughter to wear , but it really wasn't bad enough for the airline to treat her like they did. Not knowing who complained this would just be a guess, but I bet it was some insecure woman who's husband was ogling this young woman.

When it comes to appropriate vs. inappropriate clothing I could go on for hours.  I understand styles change but where do we draw the line?  I do believe the skirt was to short, especially since when she was on the today show and she sat down the world got to see her panties.  That was unacceptable.  But I also can't stand walking down the street or in a mall or the grocery store and see guys walking around with their pants below there butts and their boxers hanging out.  That is just as unacceptable to me.  But look around and our childeren are just trying to be like their "ICONS".  And we all know that the stars will do whatever it takes to get their picture taken...which usually means wearing next to nothing. 

I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era because I love the elegant looks of the past, when women wore beautiful clothing that covered their bodies.  And men took pride in in dressing neatly.  There is something to be said about keeping certain things covered.  There is a time and a place to show your unmentionables and that it in your own home with your own spouse. 

If Southwest wants to have a dress code, then they need to step up to the plate and develop one.  Then they need to educate their employees so that the dress code is consistently enforced.  Then they need to make the dress code available to every person purchasing a ticket. 

If they thought her skirt was too short, they should have given her a blanket to put over her lap.  That's about all they cover anyway, so why not use them?  This should have been done quietly and respectfully without making a scene.

Also, Dr. Phil, it appeared that you really felt strongly that she shouldn't even consider taking legal action against Southwest.  It seemed like this was very important to you -- did you make a promise to Southwest or something?  She was correct when she told you that she only said she wouldn't go on anymore TV shows -- she said nothing about taking legal action one way or the other.

It is one thing to offer an apology (three months down the road) and quite another thing to change your business policies for the better.  I feel she had every right to hold off on making the legal decision until she saw whether Southwest was going to change their policy so this would not happen again to another person.

There is no excuse for their conduct and I would be very upset if they treated me that way, no matter how I was dressed.  As consumers we deserve respect from the people we do business with.  I wouldn't have kept the tickets either and I respect her for giving them back.  That shows that she isn't in this for what she can get out of it.

I agree. What about my right not to see someone's hiney exposed? I would have complained also. Dr. Phil, I had to applaud you when you chastized her regarding the law suit. Howe ridiculous. i also have a real problem with the fact that she originally took the airline tickets from southwest and then when you commented about the pending lawsuit, she gave them back, If she didn't want them or had decided not to fly Soutwest again, she should have NEVER taken the tickets from you in the first place.

I am so sick and tired of frivolous lawsuits because someone didn't like something someone did. what if everyone sued because of rights violation. Our courts system would be tied up forever!!!!! Society has gotten too loose with their acceptance of things. Like unwed mothers, abortion, and too short skirts. I'm not saying we should move back to the dark ages, just whatever happened to modesty????

Dr. Phil,

I agree with those who say that her skirt was too short.  I don't want to see her underpants when she sits and all the viewers did, in fact, see her undies.  She should respect herself more.  But, then, look at her Mom.  You can tell how she was raised.  She's in it for the money.

Tell her to put some clothes on. 

And, of course, when you ask the men what they think, what do you expect them to say?!  DUH!!