Should an airline attendant be allowed to wear a pentagram necklace on show?

Question

Would it upset you at all if the cabin crew were Wiccans and made a display of this with symbols worn about their persons?

DanaS: I bow to your expertise, but the fact is there are just as likely wiccans who are not real Wiccans as there are Christians who are not real Christians, real Christians probably don't need to wear Christian symbols either, I'm sure it's not a requirement... still people do it.

Answer 1

It wouldnt upset me, but flight attendants are supposed to look professional and I dont think that would be very professional

Answer 2

Generally, Wiccans and Pagans are discreet and even if they were wearing a pentagram, it would be under their shirt. Just like a crucifix should be. No one else needs to be confronted by it. The wearing of a Pentagram has protective properties, as well as an outward sign for other pagans or wiccans to know that you are like-minded, but it shouldn't be displayed in your place of employment if you are in contact with the public - unprofessional. Of course there are always exceptions - like if you worked in a groovy clothing store or cool record or book shop, anything goes. But certain environments require neutrality and conservatism, it puts people at ease and on board an airline that would be the desired atmosphere, it's not an appropriate place to be making a statement - they would know that when applying for the job.

Answer 3

Legally, employers have the right to dictate what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to uniforms, work clothes, and office behavior. So, an airline may indeed establish policies that some would find onerous.

Some other examples:

In a July 4, 2006 Washington Post story, a Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart became the first known Wiccan to have been killed in battle. Sgt. Stewart was a decorated veteran, having received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. However, the U.S. government would not allow the symbol of his faith, a pentacle, to be placed on his headstone. According to the article, our government allows 38 religious symbols, including atheist, but does not allow the Wiccan symbol. (“Fallen Soldier Gets a Bronze Star but No Pagan Star”, Allen Cooperman, Washington Post, 7/4/2006, p. A02)

Then there is the January 20, 2007 story of a Alicia Hedum, who worked at a Hillsboro, Oregon Starbuck’s as a barista. Ms. Hedum is suing the coffee retailer for wrongful termination because, as alleged, she refused to remove the Wiccan cross she was wearing. (“Wiccan ex-barista sues Starbucks over religion”, Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian, 7/20/2007)

In Tucson, an occult store, The Broom Closet, described as “soothing place where Tucson's often-misunderstood pagan community finds solace and like-minded thinkers”, was vandalized in 2004. Curiously, the shop’s financial backer is “a Christian minister”. (“Pagan Predicament”, Tim Vanderpool, Tucson Weekly, 9/2/2004)

Suppose your neighbor was an openly practicing witch or sorcerer. What would be your feelings toward him or her? In a very unscientific survey that I hope my statistics professor forgives, I asked ten individuals— five persons over fifty years of age and five persons under fifty— three questions.

Would you associate with a known witch? All of the over-fifty respondents and two of the under-fifty would not. The remaining three persons who did not mind associating with magic practitioners were ASU college students.

Would you feel comfortable with a witch’s coven being located close to you? I received various responses. Seven out of ten respondents would prefer that the coven be located elsewhere. The three ASU students, actual neighbors of mine, would not mind as long as the coven kept what they are doing behind closed doors.

Would you ever visit an occult-specialty shop just for curiosity? This question resulted in a striking difference of opinion. The entire over-fifty group felt that this is “the devil’s work” and would not step foot in the shop. On the other hand, two of the younger persons stated that they would “go out of their way” to see what these “other people” do. The remaining three observed that if they walked past such a shop they may go in just for curiosity.

From the above we might conclude that there are generational differences in today’s perceptions about magic. We might also conclude that when personally confronted with magic our sense of “live and let live” is not necessarily well founded.

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Answer 4

No. Why should it matter? I've seen flight crews members displaying crosses, worn as a pendant around their necks and I've seen the same with the Star of David. We live in a pluralist society. No one religion should have dominion over others. Of course if an airline prohibits this type of display then it should be true for all (Christians as well as Wiccans).

Answer 5

not at all, it is a religion just like catholics, they just are not as open as others, which im not sure why. especially in todays society, where so much is being accepted, as it should be! Religion should be a free choice, and second of all, it's not like Wiccans worship the devil, it is completely opposite, they worship the earth and mother earth! Wiccan isn't what people make it out to be, and it's a shame!

Answer 6

Should an airline attendent be allowed to wear a cross? America is about the freedom of religion. I would not be offended to know wiccans were piloting my plane.

Answer 7

No. I wear a cross that shows I'm a Christian. Would that upset someone? Maybe, maybe not. A pentagram is a star, maybe they just feel like stars that day. People need to stop being so picky and judgemental.

Answer 8

Not at all I think if a christian is going to wear a cross, then everyone else should be able to wear whatever symbol refers to their religion. I usually wear a symbol of Baphomet. I get alot of strange looks, but who cares " I do what I want"

Answer 9

Would it bother you if you boarded an aircraft in Dubai wich was operated by Royal Brunei and, in addition to the safety procedures, there was a prayer in Arabic broadcast?
This IS the case.
Is that offensive?
Personally, I don't care other than to consider it puerile - and a complete waste of time.

Answer 10

No ...I even would think they should be allowed to where crosses in full view they are getting ridiculous and I'm sick and tired of hearing that political correctedness is more than just ignorant and an insult to most everyones intelligence..

Answer 11

It is the same as someone wearing a crucifix or a star of david. There is nothing wrong with some one wearing a pendant declaring their faith. My only concern on a plane would be that every one knew how to preform their jobs properly.