• DBT@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        You’re right, if you check Amazon you can get a box of 10 ANSI certified safety glasses for 16.99. So actually less than two dollars.

        I originally pulled that number out of thin air, but how much do you think the ones they give out for these robotics events cost? If you tour a manufacturing facility and they pass out OSHA required safety glasses, how much do you think they cost? Probably also less than two dollars.

        • Oxysis/Oxy@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          2 days ago

          Yes glad you understand the concept of bulk buying!! Maybe you’d also understand that the events are buying in even larger amounts and they get their money (or even the safety glasses themselves) from sponsors who aren’t it back anyways. Maybe you also might understand that the people who run these events don’t really care if they are returned or not. That they care more about people being safe than about a piece of plastic being brought back.

          I volunteer at events and have spoken with organizers of said events. They aren’t bothered by pairs going missing, they are bothered by people not wearing them.

          Another you should consider is that not everyone has the 16.99, plus shipping, plus tax, to buy that 10 pair on a discount. Remember that roughly half of all people in this country survive paycheck to paycheck. Money can be tight and even cheap things can be expensive to others. Be understanding of where others are, rather than assume your position is the default. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and you’ll see things differently.

          • anomnom@sh.itjust.works
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            1 day ago

            Single glasses are also $2 in local retail stores.

            I actually prefer the clear $2 glasses to the fancier padded $8 ones. They last longer and the rubber on the fancy ones will eventually get sticky and fall off.

          • DBT@lemmy.world
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            1 day ago

            Look at this condescending ass motherfucker who was telling everyone to go find a robotics event somewhere to snag some free glasses on their way to a protest to save two five dollars. You can get a single pair at Home Depot for five bucks.

            Thanks for the tip buddy. I’m sure it will help exactly zero people.

            • Oxysis/Oxy@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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              1 day ago

              You’d get it if you know people in the actual lowest rungs of society, if you’ve been there yourself, you’d get it. You’d get it if you knew what barely having enough for just rent, electricity and water bills. You’d get it if you knew what skipping medicine doses because you need to stretch it out is like. You’d get it if you knew what stretching out already cheap meals is like. You’d get it if you knew what skipping meals because you can’t afford to have a place to live if you ate. You’d get it if you knew what looking for the cheapest gas because it’s the only way to make it through the month was. You’d get it if you knew what not having a car in a country build for to because it’s too expensive is like.

              I could go on with ways you don’t get it, but hopefully my point lands with you this time. When you are at that level of struggle, or near it, risk calculations matter more. Taking from a store is riskier because they will be more likely to care. Even if just a few bucks. Pointing out an option to give them something that will help them isn’t evil.

          • brbposting@sh.itjust.works
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            1 day ago

            I wonder if it would help to frame the suggestion as a “questionably ethical, depending, life pro tip“.

            Then explain you might be able to have some fun checking out a robotics event and—especially if you are able to make a little connection with one of the organizers—you should explain your financial situation and ask if one of the pairs went missing if they could forgive you for it.

            And for some two-dollar item when it’s a question they probably never get asked, they’re probably gonna say “sure!“ and be able to feel good about helping a near stranger.

            (As it stood, it had vibes like “your local library might leave their late fee coin jar unlocked!” which I know was notttt anything like your perspective cuz you’ve been to those events! This is a risky parenthetical, not accusing you of nuthin’ pls :) )