If something goes wrong, point a finger at someone else. It iseasier than searching for a real reason for the problem andprovides instant accountability.
It is also one of the most disgusting practices of mostAmericans.
When a mother tells a child repeatedly not to play with matchesand the child does not listen, she could look to herself. She couldlook to the people raising the child and try to find a differentmethod of disciplining and teaching the child the dangers of fire.Others argue she can blame television.
Slip n' Slide, manufactured by Wham-O, is the center of such adebate. The popular summer device is now the center of a lawsuitinvolving the recent motion picture "Dickie Roberts: Former ChildStar." In the movie, comedian and actor David Spade throws himselfon a Slip n' Slide with no water on it. He then greases the slidewith oil and collides with a fence.
According to CNN.com, Wham-O is "concerned that the scene mightprompt adults to imitate Spade's action, which could lead to injuryand lawsuits."
Thus, Wham-O filed suit against Paramount Pictures Monday,demanding the movie be taken out of theaters until the scene isremoved or a disclaimer is added to the film, the Web sitesaid.
The fact that Wham-O officials feel that they need to takeaction on this scene makes a statement about our society. It saysthe average person either lacks the intelligence to see right fromwrong or is only looking to make a quick buck.
As for the former, people need to stop blaming television,movies and music for their own behavior. Adults should learn thatpart of growing up is making choices that will not injurethemselves or others. Parents should take the responsibility toteach their children the difference between reality andmake-believe.
Either way, this toy is not the safest thing to own as a child.Those who have used a Slip n' Slide are fully aware that the toyinvolves hurling yourself across the yard into a bush, concrete, orthe neighbor's house.
You knew what you were in for: "Slide at your own risk."
Sounds like the safest toy I've ever heard of.
Frequent Slip n' Sliders remember the scratches, the bruises andthe pain of throwing their body onto the ground and skidding acrosswhat they thought was a soft carpet of grass.
When you ran inside to show your mom what hitting the stone pathat eight miles per hour could do, she never picked up the phone andcalled her lawyer. She handed you some antiseptic and told you tomove the plastic sheet. It was that simple.
The movie should not be altered to accommodate possiblelawsuits. Wham-O should begin placing warning labels on theirproducts if they fear legal action. It is a shame that our societywarrants this. A person who misuses a product and blames themanufacturer should point the finger in the other direction. Anygood judge should have the insight not to award money to a grownadult playing with a toy.
Write to Lauren at lmphillips@bsu.edu
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