Gross Materialism
As the two friends stood in line after their respective Thanksgiving dinners, they began to discuss the things they would soon be buying during the department store’s Black Friday Sale. As Jeremy droned on about the new 42” flat-screen LED television, Paul’s mind began to wonder. He thought back to the simple days, when he was content to watch three channels on an analog set, before his parents finally caught up with the rest of the world and subscribed to cable.
Finally, Paul interrupted,“Jeremy, what are we doing here?”
“Did you hear anything I just said? I’m here for that TV, man!”
“It’s Thanksgiving. Shouldn’t we be thankful for our lives and our families? Do we really need to stand here in freezing temperatures focusing on our own gross materialism?”
“What? It’s about having the best stuff now that we’re responsible and can afford it.”
Paul chuckled. “I don’t think ‘responsible’ is the right word. Every year you hear about someone being trampled to death at one of these things. There’s got to be a better way to enjoy Thanksgiving; away from the crowds, away from the corporate greed of the store owners, and away from the madness that Romero warns about in his zombie films.” With that, Paul stepped out of line, allowing five others to try to take his place.
Jeremy shook his head. “All of a sudden, you have a heart and decide you don’t need the latest gadgets. So what am I going to do while you’re with your crazy family?”
“You and I have a different view on what’s crazy, my friend. As for what you can do, I have a suggestion.” Paul reached into his coat pocket and retrieved the latest e-reader. “You can borrow this to read a book, but I’d better have it back tomorrow!”