Good Followers?

It’s happening all over.  In all of the states that I’ve visited in the past couple years, and undoubtedly nationwide.  When I first witnessed it I was shocked - almost to the point of disbelief.  It all centered around WalMart and one of their newest ‘policies’.  A discriminatory annoyance for some, but just another process followed blindly for most people.  If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m referring to the bag check when exiting out of the store.  In the last few years every WalMart that I’ve been to has an employee standing by the exit to monitor customers purchases.  Seems to be an inference that since you’re shopping at Wal Mart, there’s a good chance you’re a thief. That may even be the case, but Wal Mart staff has no right to check your bags - unless they’re accusing you of stealing.  None whatsoever.  Most people, as you’ve probably witnessed, and of which you may be one, just fall in line.

I was visiting family in Oklahoma a recently and needed to make a quick trip to the store.  The town I was visiting is so small that the options are pretty limited, and WalMart is about the cream of the crop, so there I went.  After making my way through the aisles and grabbing what I needed, I paid and made my way towards the exit.  As soon as I approached the door a young man in a WalMart vest asked if he could see my receipt and check my groceries.  Huh, what?  I meant I’ve experienced this at Costco because that’s always been the policy, and I agree to it every time I renew my membership, but Walmart?  Not really knowing what to say, I just nodded and kept on walking.  I heard the guy say something to what sounded like a coworker, but I couldn’t make out what he said or what they were talking about, but it felt like it was about me.  He didn’t follow me out to my car or anything.

Over the course of my time in Oklahoma, having to experience the doldrums of WalMart a few times, I noticed that checking of bags/receipts was standard practice.  The overwhelming majority of customers would stop and allow the attendant to peruse their purchases.  Then, after pulling their pants up,  be on their way.  All I could think is, how could this happen?

And then I made my way back to California.  I don’t shop at WalMart unless I have to, which typically ends up being a couple of times a year.  The last few times that I’ve been I’ve noticed the same bag checking madness is going on here as well.  Couldn’t believe it at first. No disrespect to Oklahoma, but I thought we were a little smarter than that?  Guess not.  In my experiences here I did the same thing I did when I was in Oklahoma - a head nod and kept it moving - I did notice here, however, they don’t seem to ask - most people just do it.  

Like a good follower is supposed to.