So much for true holiday spirit and the real meaning behind Christmas. Seriously, what is wrong with some people?
Black Friday thankfully came and went in Saskatchewan without too much incident (so far as I know anyway), but not so in the states. A person has to wonder why they keep promoting such a day when you hear about happenings like these.
A crazy story was circulating on Facebook about a Chicago area women being behind bars following her shopping experience at Walmart on Black Friday. A married, mother of two, Mary Robbins supposedly went out that day in search of a new X-Box for her son for Christmas. She found one - the LAST one. What was said to happened next is beyond comprehension. Robbins wrestled her competitors to the ground for the game and then proceeded to stab them with a sharpened Phillips screwdriver. Three people died as a result in this story - all over a silly game.
THANKFULLY this story has since been deemed a hoax. I wasn't aware of that fact when I began writing this column though, so it made me do a little digging. While a tad far fetched, sadly, this incident isn't all that far from reality. Every year shoppers get trampled, punched and bullied just so the greediest of consumers can walk away triumphant. Police in Virginia this year reported at least one gun threat and stabbing over a fight to get a parking space, brawls were seen all over and one shoplifter was shot by police after a fellow officer was dragged by the thief's vehicle. And all for what? So someone could snag a good deal.
Are toys and bargains really worth all this? I for one, think NOT.
If little Johnny does not get his X-Box this Christmas he WILL survive. If you have to go another week without that laptop you've been eying up, YOU will survive.
C'mon people, it's time to grow up. There are people who will go without a meal this Christmas. There will be no presents, no tree and no roof over some heads. If you're tempted to go out and punch somebody over the last "Tickle Me Elmo" maybe try thinking about that. There will always be material goods. There will always be sales and opportunities to rack up your credit cards. There are also always chances to take the high road and to be a better person. Why not try that on for size instead?
