I understand AA had, or used to have, a "pinning" ceremony where new hires were proudly awarded their wings. I also heard that this was done with a bit of fanfare, in front of static display of a DC-3 hearkening back to the days of those who built this profession. Wives, children, and significant others were invited, dressed up for the occasion. A light lunch followed.
Compare this to CAL which "awarded" their wings by putting them on the empty desks in a flip-lock sandwich baggie while the class was out on a piss break on the fourth morning of new hire indoc. Came back from relieving ourselves and we couldn't have been prouder.
Two corporate cultures, two pilots groups, two messages. When you walk through the airport, this is what you're seeing. When your vector is that far off, that early in the flight, it's hard to end up in the right place.
I totally agree.