Typically, I’m not one to post news and world issues on my little bargain shopping blog, but I can’t help but mention something after finishing the article I just read.
At a Wal-Mart (ugh, already) in New York, a temporary employee was trampled to death by consumers who, just prior to opening, broke the doors of the building and rushed in (estimated 2,000 people) literally walking over a man until he was no longer alive. I know that this is a very unsavory mental picture, but it’s one that I feel the need to graphically recreate this situation in order to make people realize what greed is doing to our country.
If that doesn’t quite drive the idea of absolute disgust home for you, two men fired gunshots at each other over a toy in Toys’R’Us today, as well. A toy. At Toys’R’Us. Not only is that sickening because of the absolute selfishness and complete disregard for others that it displays, but these people brought guns… to TOYS’R’US.
Need I remind America that Black Friday is full of sales, yes, but so you can purchase GIFTS for PEOPLE YOU LOVE. This season as a whole is about appreciating life, love, and those around you… But it’s been overtaken by greed and pride in so many “respects”, I can only hope that this is as far as it goes. Who knows how many other stores have experienced “only violence” without the use of body bags today? Who wants to live in a world where you have to be afraid to go buy your child/niece/nephew a gift from a flipping Toys’R’Us? Or have their heart jump up into their throats when they hear that a relative or friend “just got a temporary, seasonal job at Wal-Mart” or any other huge corporate outlet?
This is absolutely appalling and, while I’m typically a rather positive person, I feel the need to aggregate this information, because as marketing and consumerism grows (and grows, and grows…), people forget what really matters, especially during this season.
I know my readers, bless you all, are amazing, wonderful people and I know that none of you would ever condone or excuse any of this behavior… But I want to encourage you to be a vehicle for this positive message, and remind others that the holidays are not about who has the best whatever, or how much you save on product X… But instead about focusing on how blessed we all are with this life, and families, and friends.
A proper “holiday” would not require gifts at all, but just the company and ever-present knowledge that the people around you love you, and you in turn have the privilege of loving them back.
I hate to have to say this, but please be safe this season, and keep your families and loved ones close to you, always letting them know that they’re valued not because of a diamond ring, or Tickle-Me-Elmo – but because they’re amazing people.
Much love always, from me. [And can I get a what-what for the “safety” of online shopping? Oi…]
xoxo.
[PS – If you’d like to read more about these tragedies, here are some unfortunate articles (albeit well written): 1 2 3]