LETTER: Black Friday greed
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Dear editor:
On Black Friday each year, hundreds of great deals are released to the public, causing over 216 million people to flock to nearby stores. The day after Thanksgiving has become the epitome of American greed and consumerism, reflecting the growing emphasis on self.
It is true that the American economy is built upon spending, and Black Friday represents one of the year's most popular times for purchases, but often, such spending leads consumers deeper into debt. People are led to believe that true happiness comes from buying.
Additionally, as more and more people gather at stores waiting for the grand opening, violence increases. Mobs of people storm through stores, hoping to purchase products before they run out. This year, one woman used pepper spray to make her way to a crate of Xboxes. Sometimes people are trampled, and many come out with scrapes and bruises, making Black Friday a dangerous event.
Black Friday is even less of a deal for consumers than it is a huge money making scheme for the retailers, making up to $52.4 billion from purchases on a single weekend. The greed of the corporations only increases on Cyber Monday, when $1.25 billion is spent online. With the against consumerism Occupy Movements, many Americans seem hypocritical, as spending on Black Friday reached a record amount.
The holiday sale may not be the cause, but it shows the growing focus on self and consumerism in America. This holiday season, as you enjoy a nice meal with your family, admiring your new big screen TV, I ask you to count your blessings more often than the number of items left on your Christmas list.
For more opinions about Black Friday, read the Dec. 2 article, Control consumerism, commit to sacrificial giving.
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Posted by "Joshua Thao" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
On Black Friday I went to Fry's Electronics at ten In the morning. Everything I was looking for was still there and It was not very crowded as It would be when the store opened. I think that Black Friday is awesome, but It's usually the competitive shoppers that take the fun out of it.
Posted by "Daniel Moore" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
Well written article, Tyler. Good job tying in the Occupy movement.
Posted by "Tyler Laird" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
Thank you to the Feather staff for publishing my article. I really appreciate it.
Posted by "Rayna Endicott" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
Awesome job Tyler! I totally agree how crazy it is the way people can be on Black Friday. Shopping later that weekend is a great way to get good deals before Christmas, but when people are over the top it ruins the Thanksgiving spirit.
Posted by "Elora Hargis" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
Great job, Tyler! I like that you incorporated Cyber Monday as well as the hypocrisy of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. It gave a broader aspect on this topic. You have a great conclusion! I will definitely be counting my blessings, after reading this!
Posted by "Kyle Hudecek" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
It is very sad that after a holiday dedicated to giving thanks for what we have and will receive, we can easily throw away the feeling of contentment, and gorge ourselves on what we want.
Posted by "Emily Shakeshaft" on December 5, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
You have many good points in the letter, you are an awesome writer! Good job.
Posted by "Laura Casuga" on December 6, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.
Nicely done, Tyler.