05.23.05
Posted in life at 11:28 am by
Jen and I decided yesterday afternoon, after striking out trying to get Star Wars tickets, that we’d spend an afternoon alone at home in our very own home theater watching a movie and some CSI - Miami episodes. (We love CSI, big-time.) So, after church and lunch we meandered down to the local Blockbuster to get some CSI - Miami episodes and a few movies.
I have a few problems with Blockbuster. Rumor has it that in accordance with his allegiance to the Christian right, founder H. Wayne Huizenga (and, unfortunately, fellow Calvin alum) has censored certain parts of videos so that they’ll be more ‘family friendly.’ Not cool, in my opinion.
Also, the whole ‘No More Late Fees’ lie irks me. It irked a New Jersy lawyer, too. He filed a consumer fraud suit against Blockbuster. It was that ‘No More Late Fees’ lie that prompted me to end my relationship with the folks at Blockbuster–that is, unless I have a hankering to watch CSI - Miami, a series that no other local video rental outfits carries.
So, Jen and I went to Blockbuster and were astounded at how few videos were actually available for rent. It seems that their no more late fee policy has prompted a large number of videos to not be present in their retail outlets. (Funny that this would be the case when they’re charging their customers ‘restocking fees’ rather than late fees…after all if a customer is being charged for a video to be ‘restocked’ it would stand to reason that more videos would, in fact, be in stock.)
Anyway, this wasn’t my beef. As we were pulling away from the store I saw a few signs on their door that actually explained the new ‘no late fee’ policy (at least now they’re being honest about what that means.) But next to those signs, I saw one sign that made me do a double take.
In fact, it was so jarring that I actually drove back to the Blockbuster store this morning to take a picture of the sign in question for all of you. (Click the image for an enlarged version.)
Now the sign in and of itself seems innoculous. There’s nothing particularly jarring about it. However, being particularly attune to issues of language, I found it interesting that Blockbuster chose to print this particular message in both English and Spanish. As I perused the rest of the signs, they were exclusively delivered in English. All the brochures the store had were printed in english, as well.
Blockbuster sends the message that the only reason a spanish speaker would want to visit their store in north east Grand Rapids is to hold the place up. A spanish speaker is told that their business isn’t really wanted at Blockbuster; the only reason a spanish speaker would choose to visit would be to rob the place blind. Walk through these doors, the sign tells people who look like spanish might be their language of choice or necessity, and we’ll have our eyes on you–you’re a liability. People are judged by the color of their skin or the sound of their voice.
Perhaps I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Perhaps. But I doubt it. Racism after all is, in some forms, a mountain made up of molehills. People uninclined to critically examine the way we do things, like to belittle instances of their own racism. But this instance is one we shouldn’t let Blockbuster get away with.
I don’t know if this policy, the bi-lingual printing of theft warnings, is a policy to which many Blockbuster stores subscribe. I do know that not every store has these bi-lingual warnings on their front doors (I did a little investigative reporting.) But, I suspect that more stores than just our local Blockbuster do subscribe to this practice.
I would encourage you to check the door the next time you walk into a Blockbuster, and if the bi-lingual theft warning sticker is present ask to speak with a manager.
Ask that manager if there are any bi-lingual brochures or posters or other notices available.
If, and when, she or he says that there are not, ask about the theft warning on the door.
Ask that it be removed.
Racism, after all, is a problem that we not only should not tolerate; it’s a problem that none of us can afford to tolerate. Racism isn’t someone elses problem. It’s your problem, and mine too.
Now, if you’ll pardon me, I have a meeting with a store manager.
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Posted in life at 11:28 am by
Jen and I decided yesterday afternoon, after striking out trying to get Star Wars tickets, that we’d spend an afternoon alone at home in our very own home theater watching a movie and some CSI - Miami episodes. (We love CSI, big-time.) So, after church and lunch we meandered down to the local Blockbuster to get some CSI - Miami episodes and a few movies.
I have a few problems with Blockbuster. Rumor has it that in accordance with his allegiance to the Christian right, founder H. Wayne Huizenga (and, unfortunately, fellow Calvin alum) has censored certain parts of videos so that they’ll be more ‘family friendly.’ Not cool, in my opinion.
Also, the whole ‘No More Late Fees’ lie irks me. It irked a New Jersy lawyer, too. He filed a consumer fraud suit against Blockbuster. It was that ‘No More Late Fees’ lie that prompted me to end my relationship with the folks at Blockbuster–that is, unless I have a hankering to watch CSI - Miami, a series that no other local video rental outfits carries.
So, Jen and I went to Blockbuster and were astounded at how few videos were actually available for rent. It seems that their no more late fee policy has prompted a large number of videos to not be present in their retail outlets. (Funny that this would be the case when they’re charging their customers ‘restocking fees’ rather than late fees…after all if a customer is being charged for a video to be ‘restocked’ it would stand to reason that more videos would, in fact, be in stock.)
Anyway, this wasn’t my beef. As we were pulling away from the store I saw a few signs on their door that actually explained the new ‘no late fee’ policy (at least now they’re being honest about what that means.) But next to those signs, I saw one sign that made me do a double take.
In fact, it was so jarring that I actually drove back to the Blockbuster store this morning to take a picture of the sign in question for all of you. (Click the image for an enlarged version.)
Now the sign in and of itself seems innoculous. There’s nothing particularly jarring about it. However, being particularly attune to issues of language, I found it interesting that Blockbuster chose to print this particular message in both English and Spanish. As I perused the rest of the signs, they were exclusively delivered in English. All the brochures the store had were printed in english, as well.
Blockbuster sends the message that the only reason a spanish speaker would want to visit their store in north east Grand Rapids is to hold the place up. A spanish speaker is told that their business isn’t really wanted at Blockbuster; the only reason a spanish speaker would choose to visit would be to rob the place blind. Walk through these doors, the sign tells people who look like spanish might be their language of choice or necessity, and we’ll have our eyes on you–you’re a liability. People are judged by the color of their skin or the sound of their voice.
Perhaps I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Perhaps. But I doubt it. Racism after all is, in some forms, a mountain made up of molehills. People uninclined to critically examine the way we do things, like to belittle instances of their own racism. But this instance is one we shouldn’t let Blockbuster get away with.
I don’t know if this policy, the bi-lingual printing of theft warnings, is a policy to which many Blockbuster stores subscribe. I do know that not every store has these bi-lingual warnings on their front doors (I did a little investigative reporting.) But, I suspect that more stores than just our local Blockbuster do subscribe to this practice.
I would encourage you to check the door the next time you walk into a Blockbuster, and if the bi-lingual theft warning sticker is present ask to speak with a manager.
Ask that manager if there are any bi-lingual brochures or posters or other notices available.
If, and when, she or he says that there are not, ask about the theft warning on the door.
Ask that it be removed.
Racism, after all, is a problem that we not only should not tolerate; it’s a problem that none of us can afford to tolerate. Racism isn’t someone elses problem. It’s your problem, and mine too.
Now, if you’ll pardon me, I have a meeting with a store manager.
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Kevin said,
May 23, 2005 at 7:06 pm
Re: Christian Right ties of Blockbuster. I dunno if that’s true or not, but I know that Blockbuster only carries an edited version of Requiem for a Dream. For whatever that’s worth.
Matt Brandon said,
May 24, 2005 at 4:55 am
I have to agree, this sounds like racism to me. But I wounder how premeditated it is. I mean, was this thought out and made by Blick Buster or did they buy the sign from some sign vendor that lives in Austin and makes all his signs bi-lingual. Anyway, I agree this is in bad taste.
Matt
Allison said,
May 24, 2005 at 5:11 pm
I’m in Colorado, but noticed as I went through a Sonic drivethrough yesterday that they had the same issue…all signs in English only, except for the warning about the safe.
***sigh***
Pete said,
May 24, 2005 at 7:41 pm
Um yeah, actually you ARE making a mountain out of a molehill. I can imagine your giddy self righteous glee as you sherlock holmesed this travesty of the American melting pot. its a stupid sign about the safe. It certainly wasn’t printed by anyone at that Blockbuster so why hassle them?
Furthmore,when contacting them, be sure to mention what a hypocrite you are, in that you are opposed to doing business with them, except that you love CSI: Miami (BIG TIME), and are more than will to ignore your convictions to get ahold of crappy crime show spinoffs.
And finally, if you and your class action compatriots can’t figure out that the no-more-late-fees is simply another marketing scheme with pros and cons, then you are destined to be a victim throughout the remainder of your life in this 21st century.
Love,
Pete
Brandon said,
May 25, 2005 at 12:27 pm
Dear Pete,
Fuck you and the horse you rode in on.
That is all.
Kari said,
May 25, 2005 at 1:15 pm
Racism doesn’t have to be premediated in order to be racism. In fact, that’s what makes instutional, systemic racism so insidious - the roots of it (for example, something as basic a company’s unspoken social mores or hiring values) were never meant to be discriminatory at all. As they were either gradually developed or specifically set forth, no one thought ‘how can we advantage our own kind and keep others out?”, but that’s what ends up happening. It’s also what makes systemic racism so difficult to identify and to overcome.
Brandon said,
May 25, 2005 at 2:23 pm
Thanks, Kari, for pointing that out. I think I was so taken aback by our friend Pete that I was momentarily assuaged into a virulent counterattack. Thanks for ‘one-upping’ me and making a productive comment!
Jack said,
June 2, 2005 at 2:29 pm
If you would like to boycott Block Buster use your local library to get CSI on DVD. Try going online to “www.newfirstsearch.oclc.org” find the DVD and call your library with the oclc number at the bottom of the record. I Checked and CSI can be borrowed.
Jack said,
June 2, 2005 at 2:49 pm
Is it sexism that men have to pay more for car insurance, or is it just that stitsticaly men are more likely to have accidents. I think what ever you answer to that question should be your answer to this as well. Could it be that the company was just looking out for the saftey of its employees. Given to the fact that most warning signs from “Wet Floor” and “No Diving” to the “Store Employees Can Not Open Safe” are all bilingual doesn’t it seem likley that this could be for any spanish customers that would feel more safe knowing. It could also be Legal reasons that gave cause for the biligual sign. many laws require that warning signs be posted in both spanish and english. I give this to all to think on.
Scott said,
November 30, 2005 at 8:07 pm
Brandon, you are such a loser douche bag! Who the hell cares about a sign on the blockbuster window, let alone taking the time to drive back to take a picture?! Oh yeah, a nobody like you!
Becky said,
December 6, 2005 at 8:38 pm
I’m not a big fan of Blockbuster Video or Blockbuster Online, but I must come to their defense regarding your accusation of “censorship.” First, censorship is an inaccurate term to use in this case. Blockbuster doesn’t have the power to censor a movie, by which I mean, to forbid the public distribution of that movie, a power only a government would possess. Nor are they in the practice of editing movies.
Blockbuster Video (not the online division) has chosen to purchase only titles with ratings R, PG-13, PG, and G. It is the studios which edit the movies in order to make them fit the R rating so that Blockbuster Video will be willing to distribute them.
Blockbuster Video has a right to choose what products it will distribute to which customer base they will target their business. If they have chosen this strategy in order to reach the broadest possible customer base, that is their right. When individuals and institutions choose not to distribute something, or to distribute only a certain version of it, they are merely exercising their economic freedom.
Should we require the kosher shop to sell non-kosher food?
Josh said,
January 1, 2006 at 5:31 am
Greay point, Becky. However, the big beef with Blockbuster’s edited dvd’s is the stunning lack of labelling. Blockbuster pulls the wool over our eyes to hide their policies. It’s fraudulent to not label an edited dvd so.
jeff Z said,
January 21, 2006 at 3:18 am
Blockbuster uses the hispanic sign on all corporate stores, that is the only other language besides english they use,
Hispanic is a larage market for their Texas based stores, its not meant to be racist, its just there because of the nature of the Texas Based business
John said,
February 10, 2006 at 9:57 am
Brandon……………………………………………………………………..you make me wish for death.
John said,
February 10, 2006 at 9:58 am
p.s…. fuck you
Brandon said,
February 10, 2006 at 12:21 pm
[awkward silence]
…
…
Ah, John, your village called. Seems they’re missing their idiot.
John said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:26 pm
lol! original yeah?
Travis said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Wow, after reading what you have posted I was taken greatly taken back. As soon as you pointed out their dreadful racism, the only emotion i was feeling was the strogest hate ever….. YOUR SUCH A STUPID DOUCHE BAG FUCKER I CANT EVEN BELIVE YOUR MAKING A DEAL OUT OF THIS, Taco Bell hires mainly mexican people, they are fucking racist also, and mainly niggers play basketball GO FUCK YOURSELF, mexicans have a much high crime rate u douche hole, from your loving friend Travis…. p.s. Fuck yourself
Jessica said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:40 pm
I bet you shit your pants when you buy 2 dozen donuts and only count 23 in the bag when u get home…..stupid fucker “O NO, FALSE ADVERTISEMENT” GO FUCK YOURSELF
John said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:41 pm
I can show you the world! Shining, shimmering, splendid! Tell me Princess oh when did you last let your heart decide! I can open your eyes! Take you wonder by wonder, over sideways and under on a magic carpet ride! A whole new world! A dazzling place I never knew! Noone to tell us no or where to go! Cause now Im in a whole new world with you!~
Anonymous said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:42 pm
How much dick can a person suck?….im asking you beacuse you probably hold the record u dick sucking fuck.
John said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:43 pm
ps…
asshole said,
February 10, 2006 at 6:45 pm
GO FUCK YOURSELF
Brandon said,
February 10, 2006 at 10:03 pm
No, seriously man. Get back on those meds.
a badchristian blog » the immigration crisis, irreverently said,
March 29, 2006 at 4:57 pm
[…] That’s right, friends. I support becoming a vigilante in order to wipe out illegal immigration all together. First off, it’s the Mexicans. They come up here and they put a drain on our healthcare system, they raise our car insurance rates, and worst of all they refuse to assimilate into our holy culture…damn them. Those bastards don’t even take the time to learn our national language: English! It’s so bad that we’ve got to print anti-theft signs in English AND Spanish. If only they’d stay in their own damn country and enjoy the jobs we’ve outsourced to them. They’re so fucking greedy. […]
cesar said,
June 24, 2006 at 4:53 am
wow you’re dumb
big man said,
March 10, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Ok listen….i am a store manager at BBV. We put the signs up in both languages because it is required by law…ok BY LAW. So dont think BBV is racist, it is our government. I think you all should realize really quick that the same thing goes for all businesses with a safe on the grounds. I have to agree with our government. The statistics do show that most roberies are done by some sort of ethnic group other than white. Im not racist but if a bunch of mexicans looking suspisious walks into my store i will follow them and make sure my presence is known. This world is ran on diversity, just deal with the racism.
a badchristian blog » the blockbuster phenom said,
March 10, 2007 at 2:24 pm
[…] Almost 2 years ago, I wrote a post about what I perceived to be racist practices at Blockbuster. It’s still my opinion that Blockbuster engages in racist practices, specifically their posting of a theft deterrent message in English and Spanish but not providing any other Spanish language translations on any other materials for their customers. But there’ve been quite a few folks who have wished ill on me for daring to speak my opinion about Blockbuster, others still think my understanding of the facts is incorrect. Fair enough, I have my opinion, they can certainly have theirs. The latest opinion, however, really struck me as, well, a bit amazing. Here it is: Ok listen….i am a store manager at BBV. We put the signs up in both languages because it is required by law…ok BY LAW. So dont think BBV is racist, it is our government. I think you all should realize really quick that the same thing goes for all businesses with a safe on the grounds. I have to agree with our government. The statistics do show that most roberies are done by some sort of ethnic group other than white. Im not racist but if a bunch of mexicans looking suspisious walks into my store i will follow them and make sure my presence is known. This world is ran on diversity, just deal with the racism. […]
mike said,
April 24, 2007 at 1:06 pm
First of all the “restocking fee” is not a Blockbuster charge so why don’t you do some research first. Second of all, none of the stores in my district have this sign so it must mean that store has had multiple issues. I acually know someone who has had a gun to her head at blockbuster. Lastly….and this is a big mistake on your part for not looking into it, THERE ARE BLOCKBUSTER STORES THAT ARE TARGETED AT THE HISPANIC AUDIENCE. So yeah they are so racist that they try to draw in a more diverse crowd. WOW YOU ARE AN IDIOT