TV, TV, Everywhere
Posted by Anonymous in gas stations, Long Island, television screens
I have not seen a gas station in a while, seeing as though I live in the city. Over the weekend I ventured to Long Island and of course there I was bombarded with gas stations almost on every corner. This short opinion piece isn't on the number of gas stations their are in Long Island. Honestly, there really isn't any interesting news about that except that prices are climbing once again. However, to me, having the price in gas climb to $1.90 seems nice compared to the 3.45 that I used to dish out at gas stations when I lived upstate, and when I actually had a car.
No the real meat of this post is what I saw at one of these gas stations on Long Island. As we were driving to our destination, I noticed two people pumping their gas at a corner gas station. All was well with the world until I noticed that both customers were looking up. Interesting, I thought, maybe there is something above them that is piquing their interest, or both men have similar thought processes of where to look when pumping gas. I followed their gaze and noticed a television screen above one of the men pumping gas.
This probably isn't a new phenomenon. This just happens to be the first time I ever noticed it. I just can't believe that gas stations would put in television screens at their own expense, unless all they do is run commercials about products they sell inside. That seems like a good idea to get the customers to buy more through subliminal messages, or whatever you want to call it. But are we Americans so dull minded and incogitant that we have to be entertained every second of every day? How long does filling up a tank of gas take, a couple minutes? Even if you own a Hummer, which is beyond stupidity in itself, can people not form thoughts long enough before they finish with the minor activity? When in the shower do people need to be entertained with televisions in case they actually have the capability to think? I know that they added television screens to refrigerators, which is almost just as ridiculous. I can understand "slaving" in the kitchen can suck, but how can you cook/prepare food and watch television at the same time? Is it really necessary?
What is our human race coming to? I'm taking bets on how long it takes to equip cars with television screens for the drivers. (And God forbid a kid can read or do something else besides watch television in the car, too).
