The time is 5 A.M, it is 20 degrees out, and you are standing outside of a Target trying to get a new television. People are crowded in a tight bunch as Christmas music is faintly playing from inside the store. An employee shows up and opens the doors and all at once, the crowd rushes in frantically looking for their desired gifts. Why would anyone put themselves in this sort of situation? The answer is, of course, Black Friday.
Black Friday is a day dedicated to shopping. As the day after Thanksgiving, this public holiday is a subject of joy for some and ire for others. Questions linger as to whether this is something worth celebrating or if it is a testament to our consumerist nature. In my opinion, I say it is a true day of celebration and can even be a fun way to kick off the holiday season.
Black Friday shopping started becoming traditional back in the year 1952, but the term itself was not coined until 1961, somewhere in Philadelphia. The day was originally dubbed ’Black Friday’ due to the heavy pedestrian traffic on the day in question, but the phrase did not gain popularity until over 20 years later when it was used to describe stores garnering extra profit, going from “in the red” to “in the black.”
As this day has become more and more popular over the years, certain people have expressed their distaste for the holiday. Considering that it occurs just one day after (or for some stores, the same day as) a day where people celebrate thankfulness for what they have, it can be easy to see why people have a problem with this day. As someone who loves shopping and Christmas-time, however, I do not have as much of a problem with the concept.
Shopping is a fun activity for myself, and considering that the best sales come on Black Friday, it should come as no surprise that I am in favor of the holiday. While some may express concern over the day, claiming that it glorifies consumerism, I do not see it this way. Most people will be buying Christmas gifts for their friends and family anyway. Consequently, I see nothing wrong with getting up a little early to get some of the best sales. I am not a morning person, but when it comes to getting a bargain, I feel as though it is easy to make an exception.
In my opinion, the only problem with Black Friday shopping is that it can lead to violence. If someone wants to get in line early and rushes to get a coveted item, then more power to them. But if that same person starts throwing punches around to secure an item, then clearly something is not right. If we can all get along like mature adults, then Black Friday can be a fun experience where you can meet new people, learn cooperation, and of course, get great deals for Christmas gifts.