# Tiger Karen on a plane aka Idiots on a plane don't realize the check \[fine\] is painful **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 15, 2021, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086 "2021-12-15T04:00:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/21 "2021-12-15T19:27:16Z")
Bipolar disorder, for example, can be a real problem for the person’s impulse control when they get frustrated, which happens a lot with air travel. She’s lucky they didn’t shoot her. And “having a mental health crisis” isn’t the same as “being a jerk,” though the behaviors may look similar. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/22 "2021-12-15T19:37:31Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > I am surprised DHS hasn’t publicized the size of the fines for being a jerk in an airport or on a plane. Methinks there would be a lot less flight drama if anti mask rights perp knew it was gonna cost a new car. Just getting pulled over for DUI costs in the range of $10-$15,000 between legal fees, court costs & fines, & insurance surcharges but there’s still a boatload of assholes getting busted for that every year. > [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](#): > > _Jerks on a Plane_ would make an awesome movie. Starring Navin R. Johnson? > [@Joey\_P](#): > > “Well, fast forward a few weeks and the Federal Government check came due. I guessed $10k. My buddy said it was to the tune of $25k, and could have been up to $36k. 😲 Given documented mental health challenges it is likely to be reduced.” > No idea what any of this is about. Translation: Will the fact that a woman has previously documented mental issues be a cause for reduction in the amount of the fine that she’ll have to pay for melting down in the airport. ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/23 "2021-12-15T19:44:01Z")
> [@susan](#): > > And “having a mental health crisis” isn’t the same as “being a jerk,” though the behaviors may look similar. And, for that matter, spitting and throwing \*carry on bags at people also is not the same as “being a jerk.” And the behaviors don’t look at all similar. \*Or at least I think that’s what a “hand carry” is supposed to be. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/24 "2021-12-15T20:04:50Z")
I had no problem comprehending your post, though I do wonder if Tiger K has learned their lesson? I’m not too keen on her getting a pass or reduced fine because of documented mental illness. Drama Queen at security, refusing to follow rules and getting violent on board the aircraft before takeoff should not be rewarded with a tap on the wrist. Her problems should not be our problem too. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/25 "2021-12-15T20:50:11Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Starring Navin R. Johnson? “HE HATES THESE CANS!” I’ve always thought that the term “jerk” referred to someone who was rude and nasty. And that wasn’t Navin R. Johnson’s character at all. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/26 "2021-12-15T21:30:35Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > I thought the way the OP was written was absolutely check. Stop trying to make ‘check’ happen! ---
**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/27 "2021-12-16T03:59:33Z")
I would have guessed 100k ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/28 "2021-12-16T04:20:39Z")
> [@digs](#): > > > [@Riemann](#): > > > > I thought the way the OP was written was absolutely check. > > Stop trying to make ‘check’ happen! That was mean… ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/29 "2021-12-16T04:26:11Z")
I don’t know what @digs has against “check”, it’s so fetch. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/30 "2021-12-16T06:14:10Z")
> [@chela](#): > > Her problems should not be our problem too. And somehow, they always are. I know someone who got her nose broken because she had the misfortune to sit next to someone acting out on a plane. Her medical bills are an issue because the airline isn’t responsible and the maskhole/karen/mentally ill person hit my friend in the face while during the unexpected melee isn’t going to come up with money anytime soon if ever. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/31 "2021-12-16T07:25:05Z")
To be sure, when you eat at a restaurant and the waitron (who might be male, female, or robotic) brings you that piece of paper that tells you how much you owe, we call that a “check”. Go figure. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/32 "2021-12-16T09:30:17Z")
Ok, but the part I don’t understand is why you are supposed to pay the piper. Why does he deserve the money? And was _he_ wearing a mask? ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/33 "2021-12-16T09:30:49Z")
I’m confused as to why “their” ethnicity is part of this story. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/34 "2021-12-16T09:48:04Z")
I think because the “Tiger” part comes from “Tiger Mom”, that was a Chinese thing. I think this was mentioned in the link at Post #14 and 15. ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/35 "2021-12-16T15:19:42Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > I think because the “Tiger” part comes from “Tiger Mom”, that was a Chinese thing. Oh, I know all about the tiger mom stereotype. But this story seems to be that the OP’s friend is married to a mentally ill woman who behaved like a maskhole during travel and there were financial consequences. So what difference does it make that she’s presumably Asian? If he were trying to say she’s a classic tiger mom and that her TM behavior carries over into other spheres, that might be judged racist but at least it would be coherent. But he is saying (I think) she’s got mental health challenges and that’s what behind her behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/36 "2021-12-16T15:33:55Z")
I thought this was another Tiger King spinoff. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/37 "2021-12-18T02:52:52Z")
Sheesh, typo. “Bill” would have been a better word choice, so sue me. Most people understand what a stereotypical “Karen” is. (Apologies to those actually named Karen who don’t fit the stereotype). Some people know what a “Tiger Mom” is (usually Chinese). Asian Tiger Moms acting like an entitled Karen = Tiger Karen. It’s like taking the worst traits of both stereotypes, and amplifying them into one nasty public outburst. I’m getting divorced from one so maybe that clouds my description. My buddie’s wife both is bi-polar _and_ is a Tiger Karen. Not mutually exclusive. And it seems like both traits were evident on the plane pre-take off. And the initial penalty for said behavior is $25k. Although filing an appeal based on past documented bi-polar hospitalizations might result in a reduced penalty. Her husband certainly hopes that Tiger Karen will internalize that this is unacceptable behavior and she needs to stay on her meds. Unfortunately, being on the meds can make one feel like they are adjusted and don’t need meds, which usually results in a manic phase that ends in tears. Mental illness causes a lot of damage to both the person suffering, those around, and even the general public. Add that to the list of things that the US society doesn’t do well in supporting. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/38 "2021-12-19T00:40:44Z")
I think the issues are: 1. A “Tiger Mom” is, by definition, a mother–not just an Asian woman, but one who’s a mother and moreover, a strict, demanding mother. Absolutely nothing in your story has anything to do with your friend’s wife being a strict, demanding mother. 2. Since #1 is true, then the only reason you’d call her a “Tiger” is that she’s Asian. 3. She might still be a Karen, as being bipolar and being a Karen are not mutually exclusive, but that’s not the way you’ve said this. 1. And finally… > [@China\_Guy](#): > > I’m getting divorced from one so maybe that clouds my description. So you’re getting divorced from someone who’s Chinese and a Karen? And thus there’s some connection between being Chinese and Karen-ness? If so, maybe your divorce is clouding more than your description. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/39 "2021-12-19T01:41:44Z")
I have heard the term Tiger Mom (or Tiger Mother or Tiger Parenting) used exclusively for East Asian women. And I live in a town where many people of every ethnicity (except Black because there are almost no Black residents, and actually zero Black high school students) could be described as exhibiting this behavior. But no one calls the unremittingly demanding and pushy white parents Tiger anything. Not the ones who have their kids’ coursework and extracurriculars did the next five years mapped out with a consultant in sixth grade. Not the ones who are harassing even bribing coaches and counselors to pay more attention to their kids. You have to be Chinese- or Korean-American to be a Tiger Mom. I’m married to pussycat mom, who has been called Tiger Mom many times just because we have a straight A student whose mother is Chinese. Hell, we had friends whose kid was on her way to Vo Tech with the support of her parents, and the mother still got called a Tiger Mom. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086/40 "2021-12-20T00:21:53Z")
@China_Guy I’m sorry to hear about your divorce. I know that you tried for a really long time to make things work. You have my sympathies and best wishes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiger-karen-on-a-plane-aka-idiots-on-a-plane-dont-realize-the-check-fine-is-painful/956086.md?page=3)