It’s not uncommon these days to see heated debates on the internet over various topics.
Given the vast number of people interacting in one space and the freedom to share diverse opinions, lively discussions are inevitable.
Photos and videos that elicit differing viewpoints have become a staple online, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth considering whenever they surface. Here at Newsner, we’ve covered many such discussions in the past. So when we came across a photo of a father with his sleeping daughter on a plane—a photo that sparked a flurry of comments—we thought it was worth sharing.
The debate began when Reddit user u/therra123 posted a touching moment in the r/MadeMeSmile thread, showcasing a father and daughter on a flight. The image showed a girl curled up in her aisle seat. Instead of using the armrest, which many would agree is an uncomfortable pillow, her father placed his hand under her cheek.
The accompanying caption read: “This man held his hand in this position for 45 minutes so his daughter could sleep well.”
In our view, this is simply a father fulfilling his responsibilities. While the moment was aptly labeled as “heartwarming,” some Reddit users had a different opinion.
Surprisingly, the father faced backlash for his actions, with some commenters suggesting he could have handled the situation better. The post quickly went viral, garnering around 60,000 votes and thousands of comments, including:
“I feel like there’s a better way to do this.”
Another user chimed in, “Don’t you have a blanket? A blanket is essential for travel.”
A third remarked, “This shows a clear lack of creativity in problem-solving. 45 minutes, and you couldn’t think of a practical solution?”
Someone else suggested, “Seriously, roll up a hoodie for an instant pillow. Or, here’s a wild idea: ask a flight attendant for a blanket and pillow.”
Conversely, others were more sympathetic to the father and his gesture. Coincidentally, this is the perspective we align with as well!