3 Reasons I Stopped Going to the Movie Theater

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As a teenager, one of my favorite activities was going to the movie theater. Its huge screen, amazing sound system, mouth-watering popcorn, and many rows of seats were perfect for an afternoon or evening of fun with friends. It seemed so easy and affordable—a great value for such an enjoyable time.

However, in the last decade, I’ve only gone to see a movie at the theater twice. Now that I’m an adult, the movie theater has lost its magical appeal. I no longer feel the need to rush out and watch the latest films. Here are the top three reasons why I gave up going to the movie theater:

Reason #1: Ticket Prices

Ticket prices aren’t as cheap as they used to be. And, now that I’m a parent, I must be frugal with my money. Where I once saw a great value, I now see a waste of hard-earned cash. Ultimately, it’s much more logical to wait and purchase the movie on Blu-ray because it costs less than taking the entire family to the movie theater. Plus, once we own a copy, we can re-watch the film as many times as we want—for free!

Reason #2: Concession Stand Woes

As if ticket prices weren’t bad enough, the concession stands of today are enough to send the frugal-minded individual running out the door. For a family of four, it isn’t unheard of to spend $20 or more on drinks and a little snack every time you go to the movies. I know some people might suggest we ignore the concession stands altogether and simply enjoy the movie. However, I, as an adult, have a difficult time ignoring my stomach growling at the tantalizing aroma of the freshly-popped popcorn. So, how can I expect better from young children? Besides, movies and popcorn go hand in hand. It is part of the fun experience.

Reason #3: Uncomfortable Environment

Finally, movie theaters don’t seem nearly as comfortable as they used to be. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, but movie theater seats feel like torture devices. They are hard, squeaky, and smelly. Add gum-infested floors and not-so-considerate strangers, and suddenly, I find myself wondering why I’m wasting a fortune on the movie theater, instead of relaxing on my comfortable couch, enjoying snacks that cost up to 20 times less, and freely taking bathroom breaks whenever my kids decide they both have to go at separate times. Movie theaters simply aren’t worth the fuss or the cost with an HDTV and Blu-ray player sitting in my living room ready for a family movie night.

 

© 2014 Amanda R. Dollak

Wal-Mart Employee Mistreatment Stories

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I am well aware of how littered the internet has become with lies, half-truths, far-fetched stories, and misunderstandings. People spread things as quickly as a wildfire, but unfortunately, the truth doesn’t always travel at such lightning speeds. Far too often, we see something that interests, angers, and inspires us, and we are quick to pass it on with little to no thought of its source or authenticity.

Overall, I consider myself a cyber skeptic. If something seems off, I am quick to research it. And I never jump on a bandwagon unless I get a little background information first. However, despite my usual skepticism, I read some comments on Facebook today that rubbed me the wrong way.

I saw a story in my Facebook newsfeed about a woman working at a Wal-mart in California. She is disappointed (at least according to the article) because President Obama is coming to visit her particular store, but she actually have the opportunity to personally speak with him. She is upset because she won’t be able to discuss with him the deplorable conditions she must live in due to how Wal-mart treats her. She claims she is sleeping on her son’s floor, eating meals worse than a bachelor college student, and desperately needing medical care for possible cancer.

Now, I, just like some of the rude commenters, don’t always immediately believe these sad testimonials floating around cyberspace. The internet is the breeding ground of hoaxes, fantasies, and tall-tale fiction. Heck, anyone with a computer or mobile device and an internet connection can spread any stories they wish. It’s okay–no, great–to want to take everything you read with a grain of salt and wise to check for verification first. But the comments section quickly got way out of hand quickly. It progressed from healthy skepticism to downright cruel trolling. I was actually shocked at some of the comments, particularly since it isn’t far-fetched to think this could be a plausible story.

One part that irked me a lot was that some of these commenters were claiming this story couldn’t be real because it is far too similar to other Wal-mart stories circulating online. They insisted that this–along with the others–are simply sob stories, cries for attention, or even mere hoaxes because who stays at their job under those conditions anyway? Some even resorted to victim blaming. The gist was if the woman’s claims are true, it is her fault for putting up with it. She only has herself to blame.

Well, to all of those who are far too quick to judge, welcome to a day in the life of the working poor. I was born and raised in a working poor family. My father worked two jobs and my mom worked when her health allowed her. Yet, we often didn’t have enough food, clothing, or money for utilities and rent. And even now my husband and I struggle to keep our family afloat now that his job’s pay and hours were cut back to only 20 hours a week at $10.00 an hour. I know from personal experience and legitimate research that stories like these are rampant in the United States. So, their arrogant dismissal of “too similar” “sob” stories does not compute. It happens every day and in every state regardless of whether or not people feel it does.

Oh, but what about finding another, better job? Well, we, the working poor, are always trying to move up in life. We put in a ton of applications. We constantly ask around for and seek job openings. We learn new things and try to expand our potential. We are forever looking for new ways to make ourselves more appealing as a potential employee. However, those “better” jobs society so quickly throws in our faces happen to be hard to come by. Otherwise, the crappy jobs we are currently stuck in wouldn’t be so full of those “sob” stories these skeptics so abhor.

Why don’t internet trolls chew on those bones before they hound and belittle another member of the working poor? Maybe then they might understand that people like this Walmart employee usually don’t want a pity party. Rather, they simply want fair treatment and better potential opportunities for their dedication and hard work–basic things the average person seeks.

 

© 2014 Amanda R. Dollak