I took advantage of a promotional one-day membership
to one of those huge warehouse "discount" stores. I
had a list. I also had some curiosity. Staffed by hordes of adept
personal assistants, programmed by the layout of the aisles,
large companies of individuals made their collective singular
selections of high quality, unusual items. More of those huge
containers of frozen food. Another pair of designer jeans. (well,
they have a name on them anyway) A bigger, better TV. And a good
ring here and a good hoop there. Just like a carnival where everyone
gets a free ride at least once.
I could almost hear a litany of "lucky me, I have a good job, I get to buy this stuff". In their heads little pictures of the cavemen or street people they would be otherwise - spearing their food, wearing wild animal skins, eating garbage, hugging bonfires to keep warm. With the carrot up against their noses there is little else to see and not much to think about.
As I was checking out an error occurred that caused one of the horde of sensitive, intelligent managers to have to notice me. He uttered all his customized phrases guaranteed to make me feel honored by his offer and chosen to buy a membership. I didn't buy one.