Friday, December 14, 2012

TAKE

There is a new gameshow on TV called "Take It All."

I watched it this week - and, entertainment factor aside - it is a disgusting testimony to out-and-out greed.

The premise is - players are whittled down from 5 to 2 by trying to avoid taking the least valuable gift in each round.  The loser doesn't advance - until there are only two left.  Those two players may keep all the prizes they've won so far, including a large unrevealed cash prize they have chosen - with one fatal catch.

They must either play a 'KEEP MINE' card - or a 'TAKE IT ALL' card.  If both players play "KEEP MINE,"  both get to keep what they've won, including the final cash prize.  [This is the non-greedy option.]  If both players play "TAKE IT ALL," both lose everything they've won.  If one plays 'KEEP MINE' and one plays "TAKE IT ALL," the one who plays 'TAKE IT ALL' wins everything, including the other players prizes and cash winnings.  The other player goes home with absolutely nothing.

There is one final catch.  They are encouraged to discuss the situation out loud in order to convince each other what their final decision is going to be.  Then they secretly make their decision.  I've watched it three times now - aghast at the scenario - and it's been the same outcome each episode.  Each player begs, pleads and vows that they're going to keep their own stuff and not try to steal the other one's stuff.  We'll share and both of us will go home happy with what we've won.  They 'promise.'  They swear to God.

'Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.'  -- Gandhi

At this point the emcee, Howie Mandel, reminds the players and audience that lying is possible - expected - predicted - encouraged, even.  

Inevitably - in each episode - despite the heartfelt promises - one (or both) of the players has chosen to 'TAKE IT ALL" anyway - expressing in raw fashion the extent of their greed.  In none of the three episodes I have watched so far have both players gone the less-greedy route by choosing each to "KEEP MINE."

It is hard to imagine how one celebrates at the end of that particular kind of win, but the victor seems to manage it.  'It's just a game,' right?  

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

- "He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”   (Socrates)

“What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?  A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.  Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week?  Or sells eternity to get a toy?"  (Shakespeare)

- "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied."  (Ecclesiastes 6:7) 

- "A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him."  (Proverbs 28:22) 

And be blessed.

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