In a raw display of American consumerism, shoppers across the country heaved their turkey-laden stomachs to the closest outlet malls and stores in search of deals to die for.
Some do end up dying for these discounts.
In a raw display of American consumerism, shoppers across the country heaved their turkey-laden stomachs to the closest outlet malls and stores in search of deals to die for.
Some do end up dying for these discounts.
Black Friday has become blood sport. Since 2006, the reported death count has reached 7 and injuries have climbed to 96. Some may argue that the count is not high. It is not about the height of the number though, it is the fact that there is a number at all.
Black Friday has even encroached upon the day before, Thanksgiving Thursday. Despite the equally tainted past of the more traditional holiday, people should be spending the day of thanks with their families and friends. Instead, many have opted to show their love and affection by leaving their dinner tables early for meaningless gifts purchased from businesses that are working their employees on a day that should be spent with loved ones. Cheap, off-brand TVs should not trump memories.
This now classified holiday is one that people have literally bought into. Just like with other mainstream holidays in America, corporations will continue to exploit consumers and shoppers will continue to accept it. Streamlining the process, we have Cyber Monday as well. While this can be participated in from the comfort of homes, the concern of a selfish and goods concerned society still remains. Many do not know that many of the advertisements they see on their Facebook timelines for sales are handcrafted for them based on their profiles and search history.
People need to take a step back and remember that materialistic items do not produce happiness. We have cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches and even smart glasses. We are privileged enough to have such a grand amount of technology, yet we are still largely unhappy as a country. We are in a Great Depression, but this one is not about economics. Heavy technology use has been linked to stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression. We are making ourselves sick. Obsession with superficial items is at a high and if we would just log out and take a step outside, we would all be much better off. If people showed as much motivation to vote as they did to scavenge for deals, our country would also improve.
While superficial holidays may not go away and we will likely never stop wanting more, more, more, we can at least take a step back and use what we have for good. Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed, use the rest of the season and the ones to come to make an honest effort to spend time with family. If shopping can not be done without, strive to stick to necessities and shop locally. Putting money back into the local economy is always better than funneling it into a large-scale corporation. Most importantly, always take time to come back to what really matters. Door buster deals are not worth actually busting down doors for.
