We've all been tempted to do something similar, and now many around the world are hailing the man who had the guts to do it. When Steven Slater was sliding down the inflated chute away from the aeroplane with two beers in hand, basking in the joys of new-found freedom from the pressures of working life, he probably didn't realise he would turn into an overnight hero. But within days, hundreds of thousands of people had left messages on internet forums while two songs have been written as tributes to the flight attendant and his 'that's it, I'm done' moment. This comes as no surprise. During a particularly bad day at work, we've all had that urge to yell an expletive, grab our valuables (such as beer, perhaps) and make a dramatic exit. But none of us have dared face the consequences. Now, someone else has made the point on our behalf, while we can stay in our jobs.
But behind the humour, is a sad story that resonates with the working public: the story of a man who loved his job but felt unrewarded for his dedication and ended up hating it. Slater's internet networking page paints a picture of a man who adored the thrill of aviation. But neighbours reported the poor health of his mother had caused him considerable stress. Instead of supporting him, modern society squeezed him until he snapped.
Furthermore, his moment of carefree spontaneity was only a temporary escape. Within hours, police officers had raided his house and forced him to bow before authority and recognise the potential danger of his actions - releasing the emergency chute could have caused serious harm if it had hit someone on the ground.
Ultimately, his story is not a romance but a tragicomedy - and an illustration of how there is no escaping conformity. The reason Slater has been made a hero is because he was willing to take the fall for frustrated workers everywhere. The next time your boss blames you for a mistake he made, or a lift passenger closes the door in your face to avoid waiting an extra second, you might be tempted to grab two beers and raise them to Steven Slater. But think twice before you release the chute and jump.