Black Friday
I am going shopping today.
I am not alone, of course. It is, after all, Black Friday. In fact, in a miraculous turn of events, Friday actually started at about ten o’clock last night. The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, kicking off Christmas season. Sales galore. Especially for the early risers.
I have not gone shopping on Black Friday for many years. Sort of a protest of sorts, I guess. I don’t like the idea of asking employees to come in to open at 5 a.m. – or 4 or 3 or 2 or midnight. And now, they are being asked to come in on Thanksgiving Day.
I am going shopping today, though, kind of out of necessity. I have an important trip I am trying to get ready for. But I will not go before noon. (Is this still righteous indignation on behalf of retail workers, or do I just want to sleep late? You decide.)
Whether you have already been shopping for eleven hours, whether you have yet to partake in the Blackness of this Friday, or whether you have no plans at all to hit the mall, please do remember and respect all of those people who have left their family and friends and leftover turkey sandwiches to come in to work. From the checkers to the managers. Remember that many of the store employees you will encounter have very little say in their schedule. That it is driven by demand and an unsure enconomy trying to achieve a jumpstart. And be kind.
Now, there is some buzz about “Occupy Black Friday.” I get it. I do. Protesting against a mad consumerism that leads to insane schedules for stores and their employees in an attempt to persuade people to spend as much and more money than they can afford is the reason I have not gone out on Black Friday for many years. But remember what the Occupy movement has been about – sending a message to the 1% of Americans who collectively have more money than the bottom 99% that this is an unacceptable situation. Occupy Black Friday – refusing to shop today, and even protesting – may have the goal of sending this message to the 1% in a very bold financial way. But remember what happens when a business starts losing money. The first thing that happens is there are cuts in hours, employees, and pay levels. Far before any non-shopping protest hits the 1%, it will hit the 99%. If you cannot or do not shop on Black Friday, for ideological or any other reasons, don’t do it. But always have compassion and respect for those whom Black Friday affects. Remember what is of ultimate importance, during the holiday season and always – family, friends, relationships. Doing justice and having mercy. Have a wonderful holiday season, a merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year.
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Actually, my only “expertise” is that I have worked retail on Black Friday. Not so much expertise as perspective, I guess. It just always bowls me over how focused we are on buying and having and selling.
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