So, I was listening to one of those Conservative Talk Radio Air-Bags today (mostly because they amuse me), when I heard that the family of the employee who died at Wal-Mart on Black Friday was suing Wal-Mart. O.K., no big deal, everyone expected that.
Well, this guy was saying how he thinks that it's a ridiculous baseless lawsuit, and that Wal-Mart is in no way at fault for what a frenzied mob of bargain hunters did.
Granted, each of those people who constituted that mob should be thrown to the ground and trampled by a herd of feral goats. And Fox News would probably broadcast that live for all of us to see. I think that the actions of those people were despicable, and should not be excused. Period. But to imply that Wal-Mart is free of guilt is just going too far.
In my opinion Wal-Mart is guilty of murdering that man, just like everyone of those idiots who had to try to get their hands on some $300 laptop that they normally wouldn't want to begin with.
Let's start with security. Why was one man alone working crowd control. There should have been at least six Blackwater Mercs in full riot gear. I mean batons and shields and helmets and Oh Yes, lots of tear gas. One man inadequately trained and unequipped trying to handle crowd control duty sound like at least Criminal Negligence, but in this case it turned into manslaughter.
But let us move past crowd control measures for a moment, and take a look at Wal-Mart's role in building that crowd and then whipping them into a bloodthirsty feeding frenzy that could earn a spot on Shark Week. Why is it necessary to offer these incedible deals that they have such a limited stock of. They're just looking for trouble if you ask me. I know that our economy is in a major slump, but what does it say about our society when we allow retail advertisers to steal a Holiday from us that is supposed to be about spending time with your family and being thankful for what we have.
People leave family gatherings early, or skip them all together, to get a good space in line outside of BestBuy or Target, to supposedly shop for Christmas. A Holiday which is theoretically about goodwill toward man and peace on earth. Whatever universe that is, we're far removed from it now. We now celebrate Giftmas, where your worth as a friend or family member is measured solely on your ability to find the perfect gift for someone. And if you can't find the perfect gift you need to outspend the person you're exchanging gifts with. What would Baby Jesus think of us.
So is Wal-Mart free of guilt. I think not, but I think we're all a little guilty here. Some more than others, but everyone who takes part in the mass hysteria which is the day after Thanksgiving Shopping Extravaganza is a little to blame. We all killed that man in Long Island New York this year. And I would like to say to his family that I'm truly sorry for my part.
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2 comments:
I'm pretty sure you already know my vote on the Evil Wal-mart's evilness, but I do agree that as a society, like it or not, most of us, at one time or another, have taken part in the quest for more stuff at low prices. And I don't just mean getting your milk on sale. People get so caught up in what they "need" to have versus true need and the idea of it being a "bargain" and also the whole Black Friday thing, in my opinion, has turned into a contest or a race to see who can start the earliest and get the most junk for the least money.
It's too bad.
ps. i didn't even know there were feral goats. that's scary.
I never spend a cent on Black Friday. For me there's no joy in saving a few bucks by becoming a puppet of marketing departments. I want to enjoy my money, not be controlled by it. (The other 364 days of the year, well, I make no claims there.)
I understand for some people it's a sport or a family event, but it's not for me.
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