By John Q. Hosedrinker 
At a Los Angeles Home Depot, advocates alleged that the store installed high-frequency noise machines to deter day laborers, causing physical discomfort. The Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA) demanded the removal of these devices and for Home Depot to address ICE raids in the parking lot, which have repeatedly targeted the location. The advocacy group claims the devices were installed shortly after the most recent ICE raid and that Home Depot has seen extensive ICE activity. Home Depot has not publicly commented on the matter.
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Home Depot in LA installs noise machines that ‘penetrate bones’ to deter day laborers. Well, that’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It immediately raises so many questions, the biggest one being, how does that even *work*? Apparently, these machines emit a high-pitched noise, the kind that’s supposed to be physically unpleasant, and the claim is that this sound “penetrates bones.” It’s a bold move, and one that seems destined to cause a stir.
One of the first things that comes to mind is the potential impact on customers. If the sound is designed to be bothersome, wouldn’t it deter everyone, not just the intended target? It’s a valid point. Day laborers often contribute to the flow of business at Home Depot. They need materials for their jobs, and those materials are purchased at… well, you get the picture. Isn’t it counterintuitive to alienate a customer base that directly fuels sales?
And then there’s the ethical dimension. The idea of using technology to specifically target a group of people is a tricky one. Consider the potential for unintended consequences. As someone noted, there’s a risk of causing harm to people who are simply trying to earn a living. The article mentions that in historical context, such labor was possibly practiced by Christ himself. It certainly gives pause.
Another angle to consider is the legality of it all. It seems inevitable that this could morph into a massive class action lawsuit. It also brings up the question of what “deter day laborers” even means in this context. Is it about perceived loitering, soliciting work, or something else entirely? Whatever the motivation, it’s a strategy that’s likely to attract unwanted legal attention.
There’s also the question of whether this is the best use of resources. Home Depot is a massive corporation. Shouldn’t they know that they’re potentially hurting their own business? And the suggestion that this is somehow connected to the political preferences of the company’s leadership further complicates the narrative.
The comment about an earlier issue related to rigged register scanners, stealing millions from customers, adds another layer of public mistrust. If that’s true, it paints the company in a pretty unflattering light. It also makes you wonder what else is going on behind the scenes.
As for the practicality of these devices, the assertion that they “penetrate bones” sounds a bit hyperbolic, doesn’t it? It suggests a level of intensity that could be harmful to anyone exposed to it, including employees and other customers. And let’s not forget the neighbors. If these machines are as effective as advertised, it could create a noisy and unpleasant environment for everyone within earshot.
The article mentions a Home Depot in Burbank that has a shaded pavilion for day laborers. It makes you wonder why they don’t just implement something similar at this LA store, or simply allow them to conduct their business there, while also generating revenue. They already have the space, right?
The bottom line is that this whole situation just feels… wrong. It’s an example of a large corporation seemingly making choices that are not in the best interest of its customers, employees, or the broader community. And the potential for lawsuits, bad publicity, and a damaged brand image is significant.
In the end, you’re left wondering if this whole thing is worth the potential trouble. It seems like a short-sighted move that could drive customers away and tarnish Home Depot’s reputation. It’s a head-scratcher, really.