Once a week I have an hour to kill between picking up my children. As I searched for something to do during that hour, I stumbled upon the latest version of Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady on the television. The last time I saw this show I was wearing neon and glued to my Walkman. X-plus years later, the concept remains the same. For those of you not familiar, Let’s Make a Deal is a game show were people dress up in goofy outfits in order to be selected to play one of several games. During the game, the player will be offered prizes that are hidden behind curtains number one, two, or three, or be tempted to exchange unknown prize for something else. Prizes can include appliances, cars, cash, or the dread zonk, which is the booby prize.
When I was a kid, the person in the crazy get-up always went for the deal. Behind the curtain could be riches beyond their wildest dreams: trips, cars, or the luxury living room they always wished for. But that was not the case anymore. More often than not, when the contestant was offered the choice between a cash or the mystery prize, the person went for the cold hard cash.
As one of the newly downsized, I identified all to much with taking what you have and running, and cheered loudly “Keep the money!” Who cares if the key to a new Toyota was potentially waiting under the silver box? If Wayne Brady gave me $700 cash in hand, I would take it too. The risks are too scary, the potential for failure too great. Only one man gave up his cash for what was behind curtain number three and do you know what happened? He was zonked!!
Now it is possible that these lack of gamblers were contained to one episode, but I really can’t spend all my time watching continuously for research purposes. I already spend too much time with the History Channel, TruTV, Discovery, and Dr. Oz. Seriously, if I follow everything he says, I should live to be 100.
Taking the leap was once the American way, but no more. It’s really sad actually. The world is in such a flux, how can anything feel like a sure thing anymore. DO you really expect me to take the chance of being told “thanks for playing,” while being handed an inflatable palm tree? Zonks are everywhere, just waiting to blow a raspberry all over your enthusiasm.
Aack, I’m depressing myself now.
No more. I can’t be afraid to see what is behind the curtain. Throw it open and show me my prize. I’ll throw on my stripped stockings and fairy wings and take the chance. How will I start? I will submit a query to two agents tonight. It’s a small step, but it’s a start, because I’m ready to make a deal.