(But maybe you should)
I spotted an advert on a food packet today – enter a code online and win a prize. Got me thinking about my change in attitude.
I don’t know if anybody has seen the sponsorship of programmes on TV that offer a free holiday. Call now and you will win a luxury holiday to…. Or call now and you will be entered for a draw to win a luxury cruise.
Just two months ago the idea of winning a luxury cruise would have had positive connotations in my mind – right now I would rather pay a visit to the dentist. Sending me on a cruise seems more like a threat than a prize. Am I really that fickle? Or is this a change in attitude that will last?
I remember back to one morning standing on the railway platform waiting for a train when somebody said to me – “Look at this – the Daily Mail are offering flights to Australia for £200”. It was just after 9/11 and people were still not flying. Confession time. I bought a copy and phoned the number – by that afternoon I had booked a holiday in Australia. Within a short period the fear seemed to evaporate and people were back to their old selves.
I have friends that are determined never to go near a cruise ship again, and some that would really like to go on one. I expect that the industry will do the same – offer very cheap cruises to entice people back on to ships.
So, yes, we do seem to be that fickle as a species. Offer us a little financial incentive and it overcomes our fears. I think that our collective approach to life can be heavily affected by money and how to get more of it or more from it.
This is why the national lottery works (did you know you have a 90% chance of winning nothing – and playing one draw every time it will take an average of over 10 years to win £100, at a cost of over £2000).
I wonder how long I will be able to hold on to the rationality of COVID-19, where money has been given a realistic priority. Probably not that long, sadly.