Every year, wokers in the retail industry suffer through “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving during which huge discounts on incredibly scarce items draw enough shoppers from the woodwork to make even unprofitable retailers turn a profit. While some would say that this is a great example of capitalism, I say that it merely exemplifies the commercialism that has taken over the holiday season.
Don’t get me wrong; I think that Christmas shopping can be fun. However, waiting each year to find out the injury toll at the stores run by the company that I work for is less than entertaining. Also, for a day people forget about world peace and starving children to scream and whine that the items that they wanted, be it electronics, toys, or really cheap leather jackets, are gone by the time they make it to the store.
It’s a day that focuses on selfishness. Shoppers dash around snatching items out of each other’s hands so that they can give their children and spouses status symbol gifts. Black Friday is not about thankfulness or giving; it is about bragging rights for the sales that one got, no matter what was done to get the merchandise.
Not only that, gift giving has turned into required gift exchange. But every year, when I suggest we have no gift exchange, I get sour looks.
I’d be quite content with just company during the holidays – I need very little else. We in America are so fortunate to have our wonderful life style, I certainly don’t need more stuff. God!
Comment by grimgold — November 25, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Tell me about it, Grimgold! I’ve resorted to asking friends whether we are exchanging gifts. I just let them decide. Fortunately, most of them are as broke as I am!
Comment by idealistferret — November 25, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
A hug makes a great gift.
Comment by Rainlander — November 26, 2007 @ 12:57 am
I agree, Rainlander! Some of my friends and I may not exchange gifts, but I’m sure we’ll try to spend a little more time together in the holiday season.
Comment by idealistferret — November 26, 2007 @ 5:25 pm