By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Michael Rodriguez
On Wednesday, I shared a story about how two strangers’ touching display of affection inspired me to look beyond my periphery and take notice of the love that continues to not just exist but thrive in an otherwise decaying society. I also asked for you – my gentle snowflakes (look it up) – to do the same. After all, if that one moment reminded me to continue nurturing the important relationships in my life, maybe it can do the same for others who also need reminding.
On Thursday, while sitting at the dinner table with my family and having our Thanksgiving meal, my mind wandered. I couldn’t help but think if I was following my own advice. So to put it to the test, I braved a Black Friday sale at 8 p.m. that evening. Because when I think love and affection, I think of lines filled with snarling customers ready to trample underfoot anyone who may get to the Avengers Blu-ray before they can.
Actually, I was going to be there anyway. My wife and I were more interested in making a dent in our Christmas shopping. Still, I planned on witnessing at least one couple being considerate to each other, or at least a parent hugging their child instead of bartering with them to get them to behave.
This was a bad idea, obviously.
The sheer tension, lack of compassion and insane shopaholic frenzy was too much for me. I had to walk back to my vehicle, where I planned to cry in peace. And even that was a challenge. People wouldn’t step aside when I politely excused myself. It was madness.
Of course, this isn’t anything we don’t already know and haven’t already accepted. But this is my point exactly. We’ve become so accustomed to this type of behavior that it’s now expected of us. I even witnessed one woman literally push a small boy – a child, ya’ll – out of her way so she could get better positioning to grab more DVDs. Other people saw this, but no one said anything…not even the child’s parents.
I’m not saying that we should eliminate Black Friday shopping all together or to not be enthusiastic about holiday shopping in general, but laying off the homicidal tendencies might be a good idea.
Suffice it to say, I drove home that night depressed. I had high hopes of reviving my faith in mankind only to hate people by night’s end. Driving to work on Friday, I looked for the aforementioned strangers, I guess for the sake of nostalgia, but to no avail.
So what now?
Well, I leave it up to you. Obviously there’s love in each and every one of us, and I’m not foolish enough to think it doesn’t exist, but I’m willing to bet most would agree with me when I say that now is the time that this community needs to…oh, I don’t know, put a little love in its heart.
Totally realizing that this will most likely go nowhere, I’m offering everyone who reads this column to take pictures of you and your loved ones in a heartfelt embrace; a kiss, a hug, something. Consider it a holiday feature in which everyone’s picture will be printed in a future edition of the San Benito News and before Christmas.
Clearly, I don’t need you guys to get x-rated, but the more affectionate the better.
Like I said, I realize the chances of getting any pictures (especially knowing how bashful some people are) are slim, but I’d consider even one photo an accomplishment.
I’m doing this because I refuse to believe that all hope is lost for us to get along in this fine city. Maybe the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees and the feuding groups involved in the Mayor Joe H. Hernandez indictment debacle and terroristic threat allegations will learn a thing or two from their constituents.
Sometimes it’s good to just shut up and hug each other. Heck, if I can get Yliana G. Rodriguez and Oscar Medrano to submit a photo of the two making nice, I’ll throw it on the front page.
Prove me wrong, you two. Show me you don’t hate each other’s guts.
Anyone who wants to send me your photos can do so by emailing them to editor@sbnewspaper.com. Please provide your names. And remember, keep it clean (sorry, Ryan…but I had to).
Read this story in the Nov. 25 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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