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| CANADA'S SOURCE FOR STEREO EQUIPMENT HUMOUR, PARODY, AND SATIRE
ON THE SHELF--The last time you went shopping at Best Buy, Stereos Unlimited, or Future Shop, you may have noticed something different about some of the displays. Because of the increased risk of theft, damage, and vandalism, these stores have decided to show mock-ups of the equipment instead of displaying the real items. But, as an unexpected result of these preventative security measures, the electronics stores have been selling more and more of this fake entertainment equipment.
Although originally they were only intended to be props to help promote sales, the faux electronics component business is beginning to boom. "We use the mock components in our displays to deter theft," said Keith Bristol, sales manager for a popular electronics outlet. "But more and more customers are buying the fake units so that their own living rooms look more complete when they can't afford to buy the real thing." Tim Bright just purchased a three-bedroom condominium, and because he is spending so much of his monthly income on the mortgage, he has very little left over at the end of the month to buy luxury items, such as a widescreen television or a decent entertainment system. "The phony phonics make my stereo cabinet look complete." said Tim, who spends most of his spare time reading. "Right now I'm not in a financial position to be able to afford a real stereo amplifier, but this plastic imitation Panasonic receiver fits into my entertainment unit quite nicely. Only I know the difference." Name brands are important to many consumers, and most people are too embarrassed to own cheaper "no-name" equipment. The brand conveys status, and having that Sony label (whether you can afford Sony or not) is often more important than listening or viewing what comes out of it. Fake equipment gives these people the opportunity to advertise a standard of living that would otherwise be outside their reach. These are the same people who buy Ferrari jackets and have those bumper stickers that say: "My other car is a Porsche." Still, there appears to be a real market for the mock-up equipment. "I was able to buy an imitation DVD player, receiver, 5-CD changer, dual cassette player, equalizer, and an imitation 28" Toshiba flatscreen for only $85," said Wanda Land, consumer. "If I had purchased real components it would have cost me over $700!" Wanda had more praise for the deceitful decks: "Since they're lightweight and hollow, moving is easy. And my home insurance rates are much lower. I'm not going to feel too bad if someone rips of my fake JVC carousel player." Fake home
stereo equipment sounds like a great idea. Traditionally, people have
purchased stereo components for the look, and hardly ever really use their
systems. So, now, with fake components, you can be pretentious, and still
keep some money in your pocket. And when The Sopranos is on television,
you can always go watch it at mom & dad's.
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| This fictional story about satire is intended for adults. | The World Leader in Canadian humour, humor, parody, and satire. | |
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