Good Lord, I find so many things wrong with this world. I would say that Black Friday is one of them, but it isn't. But there are so many things wrong with Black Friday.
I find it odd that this day of gluttonous expenditures falls only a day (more like .05 seconds after the day) after Thanksgiving. Just a few hours prior, families were gathered around the table discussing what they were thankful for, or at least telling God before going to town on turkey and dressing, and by the end of the night their picketing for more iPhones. Then again, perhaps it isn't so difficult to fathom this activity since Thanksgiving involves its fair share of gluttony.
As I said, however, Black Friday isn't the problem. Sure you've got nut jobs running small children over to grab a TV. Smashing through barricades of Wal-Mart employees in order to be the first through the doors. It is insanity and there is plenty wrong with insanity. But having said that, those moments aren't nearly as common as people acting orderly and pursuing a great deal. To me, Black Friday is a good idea and a tradition formed from what we as Americans do best: spend.
JUDGEMENT CALL
Here is what bothers me. It's the people who use the negativity of Black Friday as a soap box. When a large company like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kohl's, or Target assemble their greatly reduced items, these people badger and berate companies as if they're a scourge to society, feeding off of their own greed and the greed of their consumers. They stay home (as do I) and let everyone know why they choose not to become involved in Black Friday. They won't fall into the corporate marketing scheme that degrades our fine American holiday that is supposed to cause you to pause and be grateful for what you have, not ransack the shopping mall for things you want. It's easy to do. They say corporations manipulate consumers through their gimmicks because it is low hanging fruit. Down with corporate America!
The personal gavel continually slams all the way from corporate America to the feeding frenzy that is the mass of shoppers scouring the countryside for great deals. Individuals who look forward to Black Friday all year, however, won't be reduced to tears because someone calls them less than human, even animalistic in their pursuit of happiness. But this won't stop the great High Yams from informing everyone through social media that people be this "cray cray" (by the way, shun whoever uses that phrase) and that they would never stoop so low as to include themselves in the mayhem.
LET PEOPLE BE
I'm pretty sure you've heard the preaching on both sides of this issue. Those people who are busy judging the actions of every business and person on Black Friday should do one thing: leave people alone.
It is a very difficult thing to do, and I find it nearly impossible myself. Letting people be is a task not for the faint of heart. On the highway, I have to make a comment about someone's inability to drive. At a restaurant, I have to complain about the pitch of someone's voice. I have to find something wrong with someone or it almost feels like I don't care. That's a terrible way to live.
So don't be a jerk like me. Let people live their lives. Let people shop on Black Friday and let corporations make money off of it. Keep in mind that it's this shopping that heavily stimulates our economy and ensures you get something for Christmas.
Before you start on your rampage of righteous economic indignation, remember that you're staying home and just leave it at that. If people want to push an old lady to ground so they can reach the top shelf, then, by God, who are we to judge them? Well, maybe those people should be judged a little bit, but leave everyone else who enjoys the tradition alone. It's not that hard, and you won't lose your voice preaching so much.