While recovering from yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast I saw one of several reports about the Black Friday craze. I shook my head as I witnessed the antithesis of the true concept of holiday spirit, which seems to have all but faded away in the chaotic blur of the zombie-like crowds with dizzying discounts in their eyes, making them oblivious to the fellow customers that helplessly serve as carpets lining the path to retail nirvana (or hell, depending on one’s perspective). Of course I’m not painting all Black Friday shoppers with a single brush, only noting what has become a notorious by-product of the yearly event. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are spectators watching safely from home, placing bets as to when the first reports of shopping-related violence will pour in; kind of like betting which hockey player will lose the most teeth during a season. I was asked whether I’d be raiding the stores today. After a vehement “Hell no,” I highlighted my reasons for avoiding this year’s games sales. Without further delay, I present you with the top 6 Reasons why I avoid Black Friday like the Black Plague:
6. The phrase ‘Deals to Die For’ has become a bit too literal.
5. I don’t believe shopping should be synonymous with a contact sport.
4. I refuse to buy sale items I didn’t intend to buy in the first place.
3. Just because something is on sale doesn’t automatically make it a good deal. In fact, many items go on sale in an attempt to push old product that has been sitting around for a while.
2. I don’t think the rampant pandemonium, long lines, or crowds (hey, I like my personal space) are worth the bargains.
1. As a former employee of a major department store, I’ve had rink-side seats to the insanely barbaric behavior exhibited by those in pursuit of rock bottom bargains. Back then, I subjected myself to such an environment because I was a college student in need of some extra cash. In retrospect, I don’t think the money was worth all the stress, but I did learn a lot about the industry as well as my threshold for chaos. Even so, why the hell would I put myself through all that again? And for free at that!
For those who are more enthusiastic about venturing into the Black Friday madness, please be careful and shop responsibly.
Fantastic blog! And once again, your humor brings a big smile to my face. Yes, indeed, “Deals to Die For” takes on an entirely new meaning.
Last night, I was looking at some of the photos of people “shopping” at Walmart. What a frightening sight to see giant rooms crammed with wall-to-wall people battling over an item they probably wouldn’t want in the first place if someone else didn’t want that item as well. Absolutely chilling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, and again, as always, your humor.
You’re the BEST!
Lisette
Thanks so much, Lisette! I’m so glad you enjoyed my humorous approach to an otherwise sad reality. Those images also gave me chills. It’s a terrifying thing, being in the presence of a crowd that can lose control at any moment. You hit the nail on the head, Lisette. If the items weren’t on sale, or if other people didn’t want said items, some of those shoppers would have no need or desire for them. I’m so glad there are like-minded people like you who can clearly see how ridiculous this is. You rock!
Shykia…your comments on Black Friday, and the Black Plague are truly and humorously true. Reading about the fights, and the deaths caused by the raging bulls, coerced by “so-called” savings offered by the big box stores are nothing but a ruse for making money on the backs of these victims…some of whom were killed, and many of whom were “malled” to use a play-on-words. The savagery of these so-called civilized people, only shows that our primitive survival instincts have been twisted towards a different goal. Possession. For the most part, not because we need it, but because we want it. The commercialization of Christmas has become devoid of any sense of the values upon which the holiday is based. Not necessarily for the religious reasons, but in the sense of giving, in all it’s different forms: love, generosity, being the good samaritan, giving of oneself to one’s fellow human being. As someone on Facebook wrote, I’m not giving gifts this year, I’m giving love and hugs. I’d be more than happy with those sincerely-felt gestures. I WISH EVERYONE A BEAUTIFUL, HEART-FELT, AND LOVING CHRISTMAS, with all that it should comprise.
Thanks, Charles! I totally agree with your beautifully expressed sentiments regarding the commercialization of the holiday season. It has led our society to behave in a manner that promotes the antithesis of what the holidays used to be about. I can’t help but notice the sad irony in that. However, I’ve noticed a trend of people giving homemade gifts as well as people who opt to skip the gift giving altogether. I can’t say that I blame them. I guess they finally got tired of being caught in the middle of a game where one feels obligated to give gifts based on cues from retailers and hints from those who feel entitled. It can be frustrating, especially when said gifts are eventually re-gifted and/or returned. Many people have lost sight of what truly matters, things that are so precious and fragile; life, love, friendship and compassion. Though, it fills me with great happiness to know that there are still people who understand this, many of whom I am proud to call my friends (that includes you). Have a very Merry Christmas!