✈️ Southwest’s “customers of size” policy

It’s Wednesday, December 20 — people are talking about Southwest’s “customers of size” policy, the popularity of Corporate Erin on TikTok, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

✈️ Southwest’s “customers of size” policy

Debate heats up over Southwest's extra-seat policy for plus-sized flyers: Some call it inclusive, while others claim it rewards unhealthy lifestyles.

✈️ Southwest's “customers of size” policy offers plus-sized passengers a free extra seat. Time Magazine says it helps ensure comfort for every passenger, promoting inclusivity.

✈️ But the blog Live and Let’s Fly is opposed to the policy. It rewards obesity, and it's not fair to other passengers.

✈️ Hot Air agreed: Even if it offers better comfort, it's still deeply unfair — giving out free additional seats means higher costs for everyone.

✈️ Love it or hate it, VERIFYThis points out that the policy isn't new: Southwest has had it in place for over 30 years.

👩🏽‍💼 Corporate Erin’s TikTok satire

Corporate Erin's TikTok satire hits home for many, sparking laughs & eye rolls at US office culture.

👩🏽‍💼 Corporate Erin, a satirical TikTok personality, embodies the cringe-worthy corporate culture that GenZ loves to mock. In The Know says the account is a hit because it's too real.

👩🏽‍💼 Black Enterprise agreed: Corporate Erin resonates with so many people because Americans are collectively getting sick the absurdity of office culture.

👩🏽‍💼 But for some, the videos hit a little too close to home. @itserinkenney can't watch the comedian's videos because she's a “recovering” Corporate Erin herself.

👩🏽‍💼 In an interview with USA Today, Corporate Erin herself shared her own theory on why her videos blew up: It’s because real-life Corporate Erins are everywhere!

Quick hits

🚫 The Colorado Supreme Court voted 4-3 to bar Trump from appearing on the state's presidential ballot, citing the Constitution's insurrection clause. (AP News)

♟ An 8-year-old British girl beat a slew of master players and finished as the top female at a European chess tournament. (The Guardian)

⛈️ A coastal storm will bring widespread rainfall and potential floods to Southern California through Friday, forecasters warned. (NYT)

⚫ An ABC News helicopter crashed in a New Jersey forest, killing the photographer and pilot onboard. (NY Daily News)