Scenes ripped straight from the “Purge” movies are taking place at local supermarkets across the nation in the paper products aisle. 

Of all the products to hoard, Americans are committing theft and even assault over toilet paper. It’s scary to witness how ignorant and selfish Americans can be when it comes to wiping. People, it isn’t the end of the world. COVID-19 is a very serious disease, but Americans need to understand that having more toilet paper does not mean an end to the pandemic.

For the safety of yourself and others, I do strongly stress that you stay inside. Despite this necessity to stay at home, the market will provide you toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, even Oreo cookies, as long as there is a demand for these products. The reason toilet paper is sold out is buyers hoarded the product in a wave of panic. Suppliers could not keep up with the demand. However, toilet paper manufacturers are responding to that demand, so rest assured. Toilet paper will go back in stock.  

That being said, this whole toilet paper frenzy has truly exposed how selfish Americans can be. Instead of thinking of others, our fellow humans who are older or at risk of developing complications from COVID-19, a young adult buys 20 packs of toilet paper. Or, a panicked mother buys 30 packs of diapers for her one baby. Other babies need diapers; don’t be selfish. Diapers, like toilet paper, are being made right now and shipped to Publix, CVS, Walgreens and the like. Calm down. 

So, back to the toilet paper: Scammers are taking advantage of the current situation by price gouging toilet paper, in addition to gloves, masks and hand sanitizer, then selling these products online. This is an evil thing to do. You are taking a serious chunk of someone else’s wallet in hard economic times. 

Selfishness and panic are creating toilet paper mania, and at times, this is fueled by the media. The news is a useful resource when trying to get information, but some outlets, especially on social media, are spreading false narratives about the shortage of toilet paper. Americans could freak out or put themselves in danger over what these media outlets publish. Instead, the best source of information is the CDC or your local government.