On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver creates an honest farewell message for RadioShack. The consumer electronics giant has thrown in the towel and declared bankruptcy after ninety four years. When you think about how much technology has changed in ninety-four years, it truly is staggering. Walk down memory lane, as John Oliver revisits RadioShack’s ‘vintage’ advertising. Somewhere along the line, RadioShack lost it. Their ads were once catchy and inspirational – in the way only a crowd of white people singing and clapping in a field can be. It looks a bit like an Al Gore campaign stop.
I agree with John that most disturbing is the snickering and glib joking which now accompany the announcement of RadioShack’s demise. A prime example from CNN’s ‘Money Top Five’ features the title “Radio Whack!” As if that isn’t bad enough, adding insult to injury, the hosts (too cool for the Shack) guffaw and sneer. Sure, yuk it up – as if they have never made an impatient dash to a Radio Shack for a much-needed cable, only to return home to order it and save two dollars.
The convenience of online shopping has surely played a part in the demise of RadioShack. So too have brick and mortar stores such as Fry’s, with more selection and reasonable prices. Rackjite is more knowledgeable on this topic…Not just everyone has ‘Frequent Fry’s Flier Miles.’ That’s not a jibe, not all of us would know what to do with them. ; )
In closing…At last, can’t we at least muster a little respect for RadioShack as they sink below the horizon?
John suggests that RadioShack may be feeling a little hurt. After all, “Corporations are people too, my friend.” Mitt Romney.
With that in mind, I think you’ll understand the sincere message the “Last Week Tonight” folks have created for RadioShack, that they were just too nice to say themselves…You ingrates!