The Pez Egg Hunt Fiasco

Fiasco is defined as a thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way. What transpired at the Pez Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday is most definitely ludicrous and certainly humiliating for the human race (click here for story). The Pez Company hosted an event where 10,000 plastic eggs, containing candy, were spread across 3 fields. They had signs up of the times the hunts would start on each field as they were staggering the times for the age groups. They had 1,000 participants. From what the media was reporting - parents charged the fields early while hurting and nearly trampling some children in the process. Once they finished the first field, they moved to the next and repeated the same behavior. I was appalled that grown up adults would act this way. Why on earth were they even out on the fields in the first place? Pez had to cancel the event due to this ridiculous behavior. The topping on the cake was that other parents blamed Pez for not maintaining control and providing security. Pez used the same number of staff as they had in previous years. Are we at the point where we need constant security to police us because of a few rotten eggs?  - pun most definitely intended. Pez provides a free event for the community: 10,000 eggs, 1,000 participants - everyone should have walked away with something and it should have been a good time. I wouldn't blame Pez if they decide to never host such an event again.

Sure, we can blame Pez because they didn't police people enough. Blame definitely lies with the adults who acted so horrendously. But, if we're playing the blame game, let's take it even further - how about we look at this event as a reflection of society and human beings. Where was it learned that this type of behavior is even acceptable? Quite frankly, it's learned everywhere - it's ingrained in our society that first place is the spot to be. It's human nature (our ego) to look after number one - to win, to make sure I come out on top and get my share. The flip side is it's also our nature (Spirit/heart/Soul) to share, have compassion and look out for each other. It's always our choice - we decide how we act or react.

The parents who rushed the fields did so because they were propelled by greed (gotta make sure to get as much as I can, everyone else be damned) and fear. Whether they're conscious of it or not, they fear lack. They're afraid of not having. Think about it - does collecting a bunch of plastic eggs full of sugary candy - that's not great for your health - make you a better person? You feel like a winner because you or your child took more than others? No, no, no and no. What happened at the hunt is disturbing, but it's also a wonderful teachable moment of how not to behave and why not to behave that way. Children mimic adults. This behavior will only continue until we are brought back to a place of compassion - which does exist inside all of us, though it may be quite hidden sometimes. Thinking about this story reminded me of a wonderful video I'd like to share - it's one minute long, yet says so much. Sharing and having compassion for each other is how we all benefit,  how we ALL win.

Love, Adrienne :)