It’s becoming increasingly common to witness people engaging in arguments online, no matter the topic.
Given how the internet connects millions of people from all walks of life, with varying perspectives, it was perhaps inevitable that heated debates would arise. Photos and videos sparking strong opinions have become a staple of online discussions, but that doesn’t diminish their value or intrigue each time they surface.
Here at Newsner, we’ve seen many of these moments before. So when we stumbled upon a photo of a father and his daughter sleeping on a plane, which ignited a flurry of reactions online, we knew it was worth sharing.
The debate in question began on Reddit, when user u/therra123 posted a touching photo to the r/MadeMeSmile thread. The image captured a sweet moment during a flight: a young girl curled up in her aisle seat, resting her head not on the hard armrest but on her father’s hand, which he had placed beneath her cheek for comfort.
The accompanying caption read: “This man held his hand in that position for 45 minutes so his daughter could sleep peacefully.”
While many viewed this as a heartwarming act of parental love, some Reddit users weren’t as impressed. Surprisingly, the father’s gesture drew criticism, with some suggesting he could have handled it differently.
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 60,000 upvotes and thousands of comments. Among the critiques were:
“I feel like there’s a better way to do this.”
Another user added, “Why didn’t he use a blanket? A blanket is a must-have on a flight.”
A third remarked, “This just shows a lack of creativity in problem-solving. 45 minutes and no better solution?”
And a fourth chimed in with, “Seriously, just roll up a hoodie, instant pillow! Or, here’s a thought: ask the flight attendant for a blanket and pillow.”
Despite the criticism, many others were touched by the father’s simple but meaningful gesture, and we happen to agree with them.
What do you think? Was the father wrong to use his hand as a pillow for his daughter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!