Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Black Friday: The Darkest of all Fridays

Nov 22, 2010 Luis Vera

Original Logo Made by Me - Photo taken by Luis Vera

Original Logo Made by Me - Photo taken by Luis Vera

What better way to commemorate the holiday season, than by talking about one of the most evil days in existence? The term Black Friday has been around since the 1960s/1980s (depending on what source you want to go with) and originated in the east coast, until its popularity eventually spread to the rest of the United States.

It takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving and has the all-important job of marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. All retail stores shift their marketing strategies to meet the seasonal demands by slashing prices and advertising holiday deals.

Its Effects on American Consumers

Let's face it, how can anyone pass up a good bargain sale? Especially considering products that see the greatest amount of deduction are items like major electronics and brand name toys. A few cases have even popped up where chaos ensued during the Black Friday shopping spree, causing certain individuals to get extremely aggressive with each other.

How Slashed Prices Have Slashed Lives

I wish it were a lie, but believe it or not people have actually died during the course of Black Friday's insidious history. Please don't misconceive my message or the true problems I'm trying to address.

Do I love savings as much as the next guy? Am I aware that Black Friday is essential now more than ever, what with major retailers trying to make back all the money lost during the collapse of our economy? Is the whole purpose of this article merely a way of getting people to take a better look at themselves; not using it as a means to offend bargain hunters?

The answer to all of the above is yes. However, I have a hard time condoning the fact that a man had to die on the job, just so someone was able to get their hands on a laptop that was 50% off?

A Black Friday death toll actually exists. Though not very numerous, the fact that we've lost even one life to the pursuit of a cheaper x-box is just sickening. Since 2008, there has been a total recorded death count of three. There are also counts of numerous fights breaking out, resulting in various injuries.

On November 28, 2008 a Wal-Mart employee died after being trampled to death, by a mob trying to barge into the store. The poor man, by the name of Jdimytai Damour did not survive the stampede that took place at the Super Center store in Long Island. One witness account from another Wal-Mart employee Jimmy Overby, expressed his attempt to fight off the mob that almost overwhelmed him.

Other accounts of violence breaking out can be seen exemplified via these three videos.

Solution?

My advice? Just do all your shopping online. Nowadays with e-commerce, getting exactly what you need is just too easy. The internet is there for providing convenience, use it. Or you can elect to not take my advice...it's your funeral.

Copyright Luis Vera. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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