Another pause. Diane, this is going to generate attention. Flight crew terminations always make waves in aviation circles. Are you prepared for that? Diane looked around the cabin at the luxury that suddenly felt hollow.
Let it make waves. Maybe it's time people understood that being wealthy, successful, and black doesn't protect you from racism. Maybe it's time this industry had a wakeup call. Robert's voice was firm when he responded. I'll have the letters drafted within the hour.
And Diane, I'm sorry this happened. You deserved better. After ending the call, Diane sat motionless for several minutes. Jennifer had moved closer, hovering uncertainly. Finally, the flight attendant approached.
Miss Cooper, can I get you anything? Coffee, water, perhaps some breakfast. Diane looked up at her, seeing the genuine distress in Jennifer's eyes. But she also saw something else. Something Jennifer probably didn't recognize in herself.
Surprise. Even now, even after seeing all the documentation, part of Jennifer was still surprised that Diane Cooper, black woman, owned this aircraft. The bias ran too deep to be erased by proof. Nothing. Thank you, Diane said quietly.
Jennifer hesitated, then blurted out, Miss Cooper, I'm truly sorry. I made an awful assumption. It was wrong, and I feel terrible. Diane met her eyes. Do you know what the worst part is, Jennifer?
The flight attendant shook her head. The worst part is that you see a black woman and automatically assume she doesn't belong. You didn't ask questions. You didn't verify. You just decided in that instant that I couldn't possibly be the owner.
And that assumption was so powerful that even when Captain Richards told you who I was, you still demanded proof. Tears spilled down Jennifer's cheeks. I don't know why I did that. I swear I'm not a racist person. Dian's laugh was bitter.
That's what everyone says. But racism isn't just burning crosses and slurs. It's the little assumptions, the instant judgments, the different standards applied based on skin color. You didn't ask a white executive in a suit for proof of ownership, did you? But you asked me.
Jennifer had no response. She stood there crying silently, and Diane felt no satisfaction in her tears. She felt only tired. You can return to your duties, Diane said. Well be taking off soon.
Jennifer nodded and fled toward the galley. Captain Richard's voice came over the intercom. Miss Cooper, we're ready for departure whenever you are. Tower has cleared us for taxi to runway 27. Diane closed her eyes.