When did Black Friday become so commercialized?
The data rolls in every November to reveal a troubling trend. Big-box retailers are offering bigger and bigger deals as they compete for holiday shoppers. More consumers are getting up earlier and spending more money to take advantage of these deals. News reports show increasingly chaotic scenes inside stores as the holiday shopping season officially begins.
It's enough to make you wonder: how did Black Friday become so commercialized?
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Is nothing sacred? Black Friday used to mean something. It was the one day each year when consumers of all stripes would get together and thank the retail industry for their bountiful offerings. A time to express our gratitude through our crashing of doors. But today, what was once a beautiful expression of pure, joyful purchasing of marked-down products has been sullied by the almighty dollar.
While recent Black Fridays have still retained some of the festivities that have characterized observances for generations, current celebrations are lacking the appropriate spirit. Sure, the traditional "Trampling Of The Slow-Footed" remains. As does the ceremonial "Yanking Of The Last Package From The Hands Of A Stranger." But where is the heart? Today, these Black Friday staples are nothing more than empty vessels to sell more iPads.
Call me out of touch, but I remember a time when our Black Friday violence and exploitation wasn't so crass. I often reminisce fondly about Black Fridays gone by, sleeping in a tent outside Wal-Mart dreaming of the many wonders that would await me the next Morning. I can still recall the smell of the pepper spray my mother directed at the guy reaching for the last 40%-off Sega Genesis. It was never about the stuff we bought – it was about what the stuff symbolized. The experience. The journey. The love.
Just last year, I asked a young man what he was most thankful for that Black Friday Eve and his answer troubled me deeply. Was he grateful for the community of fellow shoppers with whom he camped out in front of Best Buy? Did he thank the generous corporate executives for the blessing of their savings? No. He pulled a coupon from his fanny pack and conveyed excitement for a half-price Toshiba 49″ LED 4K Ultra HDTV. Not that wasn't a solid deal – at $250 off, you can't afford not to get one – but if Black Friday was only about the savings, it would be Cyber Monday.
So this Black Friday, let us remember the true meaning as it was when Macy's CEO Fred Lazarus created it in 1932: to come together and celebrate our abundant harvest of consumer goods. You'll find the thrill of tasering the lady next to you and raiding her shopping cart much more fulfilling when you tase in the spirit with which it is intended. For when you climb over the panicked hordes with Black Friday in your heart, it's a joy you'll feel all year round.
Stay in this Black Friday and watch some Coming In:
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