Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Consumerism + Lawsuits = America

Check these out:

Walmart Employee Trampled

Family Sues


This pretty much sums up how I view America today. Needless to say, this is a horrific and unfortunate situation and I pray nothing like this happens to anyone in my family, or ANYONE at all for that matter. Having said that, there are two parts to this:

The first part is the fact that America's pastime, Consumerism, was on brilliant display this year on "Black Friday." I am a person who pretty much hates going shopping unless I know I am going to get something specific and get out. My sister-in-law was in town and wanted to go to the mall at 1 a.m. on Black Friday. Hmm...well, I did it and it honestly wasn't that bad. We left the mall at three, I woke up at 10 and we were back at it. Awful. There were some good deals but nothing that required me to trample over a pregnant woman to make sure I got it. Everyone should be appalled by what happened at this Walmart. It is a tragedy to say the least. Of the 2,000 people there, how many stopped to help and see what was going on? Maybe a handful. How many continued on with their ridiculous day? Most of them.

The next problem I have is that, less than a week later, there is already a lawsuit from the family.

"We’re going to be suing Wal-Mart as well as the owner of the mall, the security company, and we’re contemplating an action against the police and the county of Nassau, although we’re waiting to see what our investigation fleshes out about their involvement."

We knew there would be a lawsuit but I guess I didn't think it would happen this fast, and against that many people! Did they all really have something to do with this? I am not saying I wouldn't do the same thing, and I'm definitely not saying it is not warranted, but isn't it just like us (humans) to look for an opportunity to get something out of our troubles? I mean, spilling coffee on yourself and suing is one thing, but wrongful death?! (JOKE) I'm just saying...People in our society want to make a profit off their hardships and they feel entitled to it most of the time. I'm forming my thoughts on this as I type but I just don't think suing someone for millions of dollars is going to make you feel any better about the situation.

Really I am just saddened at both of these situations. What saddens me even more is when followers of Christ get involved in things such as these two examples. Anyone feel the way I do or am I being insensitive (on the lawsuit part)?

5 comments:

dave said...

indeed brotha. not a pretty story at all. i was appalled when i heart it, but i wasn't shocked. we become like animals with only one goal in mind...get the stuff! who cares if someone has to die for me to save $22 on a toy for my kid. it's worth it.

unbelievable.

i'm even less shocked about the suit. i knew that was inevitable.

we're a sad lot (humans).

Matt Chewning said...

I don't like this post. You will be hearing from my lawyer shortly. This post has offended me in the most signifiant ways emotionally possible. I had to leave work and do not think that I will be able to go back to work anytime soon because they have internet and your post has created a phobia in me towards the internet.

However, I'll settle for $50 right now. Please make the check out to Matt Chewning.

holla

Tim said...

yeah dude... that's ridiculous. I am sure the family wants some sort of justice and doesn't know what to do. It's so unbelievable that the guy got trampled for people to get in Walmart. I mean come on... 'member going to Harrods in London? Maybe at that place... but not Walmart, sheesh.

Emery said...

I'm with you. There is so much that is wrong with this whole situation. It's crazy that people can get that amped over a discount shampoo gift set. They trampled a guy to death....unbelievable.

Unknown said...

I so agree with you. My first thought was that they should have stopped everyone before they left the store and get (arrest , sue , whatever) those who did the act. What about personal responsibility? I know it is not possible but...

Marsha