My Experience at the iPad Giveaway

The only reason I went was because I wanted to win an iPad. Not that I would use it. My company laptop works just fine.

When one is need of cash, not credit, there are choices one has at his/her disposal. The obvious choice is to work for it. Like a stripper does. Like an illegal immigrant does. What I wanted to do on this day was increase my chances to be a non-working winner. I wanted to hear my name called like I was ‘important’. I wanted to be envied! I was not interested in winning a trip to Las Vegas. Never been there! The iPad I am certain would have garnered me an immediate sale. I am confident a ‘wanting to look cool individual’ (like I must look when pecking on my laptop at social functions) would have jumped on my deal.

I did not win…I never win anything. Should have known better!

Three names were called. The first guy by the name of Justin did not answer. He missed the 10 second countdown too. Justin…was a winner – but he blew it by leaving the Happy Hour, a rarity in Atlanta believe it or not – Happy Hour.

Kenya’s name was called. She missed the 10 second countdown too – but there is an interesting twist.
So, keep reading.

A young lady headed to the prize table…well, everyone in attendance thought she was going in that direction. After a few elated people applauded the young lady she said, “No, no, I am not Kenya. I am going to the bathroom.”

Kenya’s name was called again: KENYA! And, once more: KENYA!

Remember, the young lady who said she was not Kenya? Turns out she knows Kenya (her bar stool was next to Kenya). She ran back to Kenya and asked/said, “Girl, you did not hear your name called? You won the iPad!” Kenya immediately ran over to the prize table with a glass of dark brown beer in hand (gotta love those ladies who drink Guinness) screaming, “I am Kenya! I won!” Kenya was told nicely, “We called your name 3 times and then we had a 10 second countdown. You never appeared so we pulled another name, and this young lady, Madison, has won the iPad.”

Kenya said with sista attitude and disappointment, “I did not hear my name. My girlfriend just told me that I won.”

I have shared this story with a few female friends, one African American, one Caucasian, and one Asian American. Their initial sentiment: ‘Kenya’s friend is not a friend.’

The Hatin’ is relentless:

http://bossip.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/gossip.jpg

The Hatin’ begins early:

http://www.blackyouthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/n2910962_31615922_57411-335x232.jpg

My Response:

I can’t believe (really can’t believe) that Kenya’s friend pretended to be going to the bathroom just to confirm if Kenya’s name was the one called. After it was confirmed that Kenya’s name was called, she then went back over to Kenya, her ‘friend’, to report to Kenya she had won knowing it was too late for Kenya to retrieve the iPad.

My Questions:

Kenya’s friend is that conniving and hate-filled that she would allow her ‘friend’ to miss out on winning a prize? She actually knew Kenya won – but did not tell her until it was too late?

What I Should Have Done:

I wanted to approach Kenya, and tell her that her friend is not a friend. I did not. Perhaps, I should have.

The Reality:

People know the company they keep. Some just refuse to eliminate the bad company.

Brian E. Payne sharing.