All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume. - Noam Chomsky
While some stores in the US decided to open their doors for the Black Friday super sale at midnight, countless employees had to cut their Thanksgiving celebrations short. Hundreds of shoppers probably did not celebrate at all spending their Thanksgiving Holiday in the line at their favorite store...
It appears incomprehensible that some people would forgo a seldom chance of spending some quality time with family and friends, and decide instead to go shopping.
Since the economy is in a rather bad shape, the retailers do not expect record sales. The shoppers, on the other hand, are rather careful with their money and hope to find the best deal ever. Some may even get lucky. But as every year, much money will be spent on things no one really needs, simply because they are "on sale".
The employees of Macy's and Target stores have very little choice. They have to go to work. But the consumers are free to decide whether they go shopping at all. They can celebrate with joy a consumerism-free day and decide to buy things they need when they need them.
Wishing everyone a thoughtful and stress free Black Friday - Dominique