The Endless Cycle of Hate

LG Executive Accused of Damaging Samsung Washers on Store Display: http://goo.gl/t6azgM

How far is too far in trying to gain a competitive advantage? In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth killed anyone who he thought would get in his way of the throne, including Banquo, one of his closest friends, King Duncan, who treated Macbeth like a son, and even Lady Macduff and her children. Macbeth also attempts to kill Fleance, Macduff, and Malcolm before finally falling from power. Similarly, an LG executive has resorted to purposely damaging rival Samsung’s washing machines that were on display. This tampering would negatively affect how passerby would view the washing machine and also reflect badly on the Samsung brand itself. Of course, this tampering is not nearly as serious of a matter as killing other people, but it is deplorable that LG feels that it needs to resort to underhanded tactics in order to gain customers.

Due to this mistake, the LG executive was forced to publicly apologize, yet could not resist from making a snarky remark at how the Samsung machines were particularly weak-hinged. Samsung rallied against what it has called “slanderous claims” and has filed for a complaint. Mediation attempts have failed to dissolve this dispute, and the companies are going to court. This is similar to how Macbeth’s obsessive drive to become and stay King created animosity to those he slighted. After Macbeth inhumanely killed Macduff’s wife and children, Macduff is overcome with grief and vows revenge. The cruelty displayed by Macbeth comes back to him in an endless cycle of hatred which only ends when Macduff kills Macbeth. Ironically, Macduff was the only person who displayed the traits shown in the prophecy who could kill Macbeth. If Macbeth had been more diplomatic and less vicious, Macduff possibly would not have risen up to kill Macbeth and become King himself. By trying to prevent his prophesied death, Macbeth’s brand of inhumanity towards his foes led to his own doom.

When this LG executive decided to purposely damage Samsung’s merchandise, harming a rival’s ability to sell its product, he created this same cycle of animosity that led to Macbeth’s eventual downfall. This LG executive seems on track to lose his company money in court, and has gained attention for all the wrong reasons. Now, by his attempt to gain an advantage, he has instead made sure that no one hearing this news wants to buy an LG product.