When pondering what the title should be for this post I couldn’t help but think back to all of the gun control hysteria which was going on about a year ago. During that time many who were pushing for more laws often touted the fantasy that we now live in a civilized society and as such the need for AR15’s, 30 round magazines, semi-automatic pistols, and stand your ground laws did not exist (2A notwithstanding). I suppose they like to imagine that we are a civilized society of thinkers and poets, office cubicle drones and television watching couch potatoes. While I cannot argue that I have witnessed a few acts of chivalry and have exchanged pleasantries with cashiers via the checkout line, for the most part I feel society is teetering on the edge of a very dangerous abyss. The smoke screen that we view as civilized hides a very dark side to many in our population, vicious animal like tendencies often triggered by beltway commuter traffic, natural disasters, power outages, high unemployment and yes….Black Friday “shopping.”
There are various posts floating around the internet which showcase mob scenes during Black Friday, people fighting over ridiculously inconsequential items like televisions and children’s toys. I wanted to share a video I found particularly troublesome, it was shot in Puerto Rico during the opening of a Walmart on Black Friday. Before you watch the video imagine a different scenario, think massive economic collapse or partial grid down occurrence. Instead of televisions and toys everyone in the video has lined up for distributions of food and water. People are tired and hungry and upset that the government has not provided everything they desired in a timely manner. I imagine the outcome would be similar and quite possibly more violent. Civilized society? Pure fantasy.
3 comments
There can be no civilized action without morality. Here is a perfect example of why one always needs a alternate escape plan; coupled with an acute sense of situation awareness. Any group this desperate to get into a confined area will be murderously brutal if panic, for any reason, should ensue. First and foremost common sense dictates that a crowd this unruly should be avoided at all costs,.
Right there with you Muleskinner. I always avoid the crowd, especially on Black Friday. While most people in that crowd mean absolutely no harm to anyone, it doesn’t take much to start a stampede. I would imagine post-SHTF would make Black Friday seem like a Sunday School social.
Maj, I have the distinct feeling that both of us have seem far more than the average “Joe” in our lives. Your statement that “it doesn’t take much to start a stampede” speak volumes.