I have never cared for Black Friday personally. The thought of getting up at the crack of dawn to stand in line for hours with hopes of receiving 20% off some fancy shirts or a couple of pairs of shoes just doesn’t seem worth it. (Cyber Monday is much more my style. You can do all of your holiday shopping from the comfort of your own bed—what’s not to like?)
Despite my lack of excitement over this American holiday-season tradition, I’ve never begrudged those eager shoppers that have made an entire day out of the experience, raiding the malls and outlets with family and close friends at their sides. Yet, my indifference towards Black Friday has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, as I now unapologetically announce my endorsement for the cancellation of Black Friday.
Why you may ask? Let me enlighten you.
What started as a financially genius scheme for big companies to make holiday bank has turned into a reality of meager deals for shoppers and overwhelmed environments for workers. I hate to break it to you, but you’re not getting that 70” flat screen for a thousand dollars cheaper anymore. More like you’ll get a free tote bag with full-price purchase of that television or any other ridiculously expensive item. The deals are worthless nowadays, but people are still buying into them because “It’s Black Friday, I had to!” or they are under the illusion of still getting these big-shot deals. Black Friday isn’t what it used to be, and guaranteed there will be much better deals throughout the season. So, don’t waste your time or lose out on those heavenly eight hours of sleep after stuffing yourself with food on Thanksgiving.
Another problem I have with Thanksgiving is the fact that its popularity has prompted stores to now start Black Friday sales on Thursday. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, it’s not a time to eat a few bites of turkey and stuffing at 10 am so you can start pitching your tent in front of Target. And speaking from experience as a retail worker during the holidays, it really sucks having to say goodbye to your family on a holiday because you have an eight-hour shift to get to. I want to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and I guarantee every other worker forced to come in and serve the masses wants to as well. Just because you prioritize shopping and saving over a holiday celebration doesn’t mean that the people forced to work for you prioritize it too. Let’s bring families back together this year, everyone deserves that much after being in isolated quarantine for nearly two years.
I am advocating for the cancellation of Black Friday because I believe in turning the focus of Thanksgiving back onto family, friends, good food and fun. You have the entire winter season to start your holiday shopping, and there are plenty of ways to save money that don’t include participating in Black Friday deals. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, please hug your loved ones extra tight this year and apologize on behalf of me to anyone you know that’s being forced to leave their family celebrations to go to work.