In a fit of impotent rage, I decided to run off a letter to Best Buy
in response to the fact that they have decided to stay open during the
Thanksgiving holiday. I know that this is a widespread issue that
extends far beyond Best Buy. It truly is a systemic problem born out of
consumerism and commercialism run amok. If these workers had adequate
union representation, then they could more effectively advocate for time
off during the holidays. I tend to believe that this recent trend of
stores staying open during Thanksgiving is indicative of larger economic
issues. I’m certain that this single letter will have no real or
lasting effect, but it made me feel good, and I believe that concerted
writing campaigns can in fact have an impact. Feel free to steal any of
this for your own ineffective expression of anger and despair.
Dear Best Buy,
My name is Tom Birkenstock, and I am writing to express my dismay that you
have chosen to stay open on Thanksgiving. Keeping your store open on a
holiday is harmful to your employees who wish to be spending time with
their families as well as to Thanksgiving as an American tradition. I
believe that your choice to stay open on Thanksgiving cheapens the
holiday and hurts those in your employ.
I have been a customer of your store for well over a decade. During
that time I’ve been attracted to Best Buy because of the convenience of
your selection and the helpfulness of your staff. But because of your
decision to stay open on Thanksgiving, I have decided to stop shopping
at your store. Recently I needed accessories for my laptop, but I
purposefully chose to shop at one of your competitors specifically
because you decided to stay open during the holiday. I will also refuse
to do any shopping at Best Buy in the coming months.
This may only cost your company a few hundred dollars this year, but I
don’t think I am alone in my belief that you are harming America’s
holiday tradition. I hope that in the future you will decide that not
only is staying open on Thanksgiving a poor economic choice, but it is
an immoral choice.
Sincerely,
-Tom Birkenstock
No comments:
Post a Comment