Disappearing Convenience
[7-Eleven in Taipei, 9/28/24]
In Los Angeles, “bicycle crews” of up to 50 “youths” have ransacked more than a dozen Los Angeles 7-Elevens in the last ten weeks. Police, “Although there are no reported physical injuries, several witnesses continue to fear for their safety after such aggressive and callous criminal behavior.” CBS News on 9/24/24, “Footage shows the moments that several members of the group climb onto counters, push shelves to the floor and throw items around the store.” Fatherless kids are just having fun.
In Philadelphia on 9/14/24, a 7-Eleven employee was stabbed under his armpit during a robbery at Broad and Race. Just two blocks away was City Hall, with William Penn on top. If Bill wasn’t bolted to the concrete, he would have jumped decades ago. It’s torture to see what his city has become.
On the same block is the Academy of Fine Arts. Founded in 1805 as America’s first art school, it will close for good in 2025. Though hardly anyone goes in there, the gorgeous museum will stay open. Its architect, Frank Furness, should have a street named after him. Americans, though, couldn’t care less about art. Even “educated” ones can’t name any living American painter, sculptor or architect. That’s why they believe a 52-story building can just collapse in seconds.
In 2023, 7-Eleven closed 184 American stores. This year, the final tally will be 272. Though Japanese owned since 1991, 7-Eleven is an American icon. Founded in 1927, its name is nearly synonymous with “convenience store.” Growing up in Saigon in the 60’s and 70’s, I never saw any. There’s also a wartime curfew from midnight to 6AM, so no 24-hour businesses of any kind.
In South Jersey, Wawa is so beloved, one woman told me she couldn’t imagine moving to any state without Wawas. Many New Jerseyites prefer Wawa’s hoagies to those from mom and pops. Opening all night with just one or two clerks, Wawas are just as youth friendly as 7-Elevens. The Philadelphia Inquirer on 9/22/22, “Philly kids ransacking Wawa was ‘a scene from the apocalypse.’” A hundred joyfully participated.