In a world where first impressions are everything, there’s a new contender for the title of “What Were They Thinking?” A black pilot has gone viral after posting a video of himself sporting stylish dreadlocks and flashy grillz, causing quite the stir on social media. But the reactions have been a mixed bag—some folks are cheering for representation while others seem to be clutching their pearls as if they just spotted a rattlesnake in a nursery.

So, what’s the big deal? On one hand, pilots are typically held to a certain standard of professionalism, and many people can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the idea of a pilot with blinged-out teeth strolling through the airport. After all, when boarding a flight, most passengers want to see a trustworthy-looking individual who inspires confidence, not someone that looks like they just dropped fresh bars at the latest hip-hop freestyle session. But let’s be real: do we really think the guy can’t fly a plane just because he’s rocking grillz?

But here’s where it gets a bit shaky. Critics argue that judging someone solely based on their appearance is an outdated practice, while supporters of the pilot insist that being “unapologetically black” should extend to every profession—even aviation. Yet, many seem to think grillz shouldn’t be part of that equation. It seems that when many folks look at a pilot, they expect a clean-cut look that screams “responsibility” over “rap battle,” as if there’s a specific dress code for someone whose job is to literally keep you in the air. It’s almost like saying you wouldn’t trust a chef unless they wore a crisp white apron and never had a speck of flour on them.

That leads us to the question of maturity. It’s one thing for a rapper to flaunt some shiny teeth that catch the light, but for a pilot? The internet is abuzz with opinions about whether or not a grown man should be wearing grillz while maneuvering a plane at 30,000 feet. Many immediately associate that style with immaturity, so it’s no wonder they feel uneasy. The line of professionalism is a fine one, and some folks feel this pilot is dancing just a bit too close to the edge. If a surgeon walked into the operating room with grillz, would you let him operate on your heart? Probably not.

At the end of the day, it boils down to qualifications. The pilot likely excelled in his training. He probably can throw down some impressive scores on his licenses, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people feeling safe flying with him. And while we could argue all day about first impressions and cultural representations, it seems something so trivial as grillz can overshadow a person’s hard work and dedication. It’s almost as if those shiny teeth have become a symbol outshadowing the actual skills he possesses.

The internet is a harsh judge, and the reactions to our pilot friend show just how deeply appearance influences perception in today’s society. While the world grapples with shifting social norms, one thing remains clear: judgment is a two-way street. So, the next time you get on a plane and encounter a pilot who looks a bit too much like they’re about to drop the latest mixtape, maybe give them a second glance—and remember, being a good pilot doesn’t always come with the appearance of one. Just make sure your seatbelt is fastened and that the emergency exits are in sight. After all, he’s flying the plane, not your expectations.