Serving Bread

Please don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the privileges of being a naturalized American citizen. There are many things I enjoy about this country and about our culture. However, sometimes you have to stop and observe ourselves. And to be honest, it can be a little embarassing. So here is my list of “You know you’re an American when…”

• You line up 5 days in advance to pay $600 for a video game system (By the way, Malawi’s per capita income is $600)
• When all of your wait for a video game system is in vain because it’s sold out, you just buy it on ebay for up to 4 times as much as it would have cost you had you lined up a few days earlier (By the way, Camaroon’s per capita income is $2400)
• You line up at 3am on “Black Friday” so that you can take advantage of the sales on the day after Thanksgiving. Americans spent nearly $9 billion on November 24, which is a 6% increase since 2005. (By the way, Americans spent more money on one day than what the 10 poorest countries produce cumulatively in one year)
• Your police officers are re-deployed on Black Friday to handle the traffic (and the fights) of people “bargain” hunting. (Pray that no crimes are committed in your neighborhood on Black Friday and/or you don’t need to call 9-1-1)

Happy Holidays!