http://www.care2.com/greenliving/black-friday-and-the-10-commandments.html
Black Friday and the 10 Commandments
Warning: Today’s piece may be a bit dark.
I’ve been trying to write up the piece I had planned for today and I just can’t do it. It’s tough to talk about a little pink mouse when there is a huge white elephant standing in the room, stepping on your toe. That white elephant of course, is Black Friday.
What exactly is going on people? Are we really killing each other to save $10 on a Wii? Have things really gotten that out of hand?
For the few of you who may not know what I am talking about, here’s a little update. While the rest of the world spent Thanksgiving day waiting for word on Mumbai, wondering whether the Thai government will step down or not, and watching the latest in the Somali pirating sagas, many U.S. citizens were getting their track shoes out, warming up their already maxed out credit cards, and, in at least one case, loading their weapons.
Why you ask? Because Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is what has come to be known as Black Friday here in the United States, an eagerly anticipated event that stores build up to with a fevered pitch, where “stuff” is on sale. As a result, many stores will open at midnight to throngs of shoppers mad to get $10 off on their child’s favorite Christmas toy or a new blender for the holidays. And as a result, people often get hurt, and as in this years case, killed.
In Long Island, N.Y., a frenzied crowd outside a Wal-Mart stampeded in as the entrance was opened “ripping the doors off their hinges,” injuring four people including a woman in her eighth month of pregnancy, and trampling and killing a 34-year-old employee. In an effort not to be outdone by the East Coast, hours later, two fathers in a Toys R Us in California, shot and killed each other after a dispute between their wives. It remains unclear what started the dispute (it may have been gang related), but they were there for the sales, and I’m guessing their kids’ lives will never be the same.
All over the country, crowds surged, people shoved, mothers grabbed, fathers ran, children cried–all in all a really wonderful way to bring in the holiday season don’t you think? Ain’t the U.S. of A. great?
OK, if you read my articles, you are probably asking yourself, “Where’s the wacky guy we usually like to hear with the tips and ideas?” Well, I’m still here, I’m just a little upset right now. For starters, shame on the stores for allowing this to happen. Shame on them for lighting the fires of anticipation with their circulars and shame on them for allowing these mad dash events to occur. Remember the WHO concert in Cincinnati where all those people were crushed back in the ’70s? That changed things, shouldn’t this?
And shame on the shoppers. I recognize that people like a good deal but there is a point. When we forget about human decency and are able to trample a man rather than stopping and trying to help, we’ve gone too far. There has been talk about a mob mentality, and there is truth to that, but a mob is made up of individuals and each of those individuals has the ability, nay, the responsibility to step out of the mob, no matter how tough it may be. I think my favorite headline from yesterday was a CNN piece that read “Wal-Mart Trampling Death Could Have Been Avoided.” Really? Ya think?
Anyway, enough with the sadness and condemnation. Here are a few things I’d like to see happen next year.
For starters, let’s take a stand and stamp out Black Friday. Adbusters (a cool org by the way) has a great site devoted to Buy Nothing Day, their version of Black Friday. As protests go it doesn’t get any simpler than this: Do nothing. Next year, instead of rushing to the stores, send the merchants a message and don’t show up at all. Can you imagine how disappointed everyone will be when no one is there to rip the doors off in anticipation of buying the first Hannah Montana Pees-A-Lot Doll (if that takes off I want my cut by the way).
Secondly, let’s all relax, take a deep breath, and take another look at the 10 Commandments, but with a capitalist twist. I mean no disrespect to anyone here, but this is a list that a large number of us know and it does have a few good pointers. To keep it simple, I’m going with the Wikipedia translation.
1. I am the Lord your God. Recognize that stuff isn’t going to make you happy, but faith in whatever it is you believe in, love, and understanding are what’s important. The iPhone can wait.
2. You Shall Have No Other Gods Before You. That Wii may be cool, but making it the focal point of your life isn’t doing anyone any good. Get yourself out into nature for a few minutes. Play with your kids. Read a book.
3. You Shall Not Make Wrongful Use of the Name of Your God. As in “So help me God, I’ll kill you if you don’t let go of that Suzie Barfs-A-Lot Doll.” That’s just not neighborly.
4. Remember the Sabbath and Keep It Holy. A stretch on this one, but maybe we could all take a day or two off each week from consuming and do some good instead? Just a thought.
5. Honor Your Mother and Father. Ask yourself “Would my parents be proud of how I’m acting?”
6. You Shall Not Murder. Ya see, it doesn’t say, “unless something is 20 percent below cost,” it just says don’t do it. Simple.
7. You shall not commit adultery. Not touching that one (pun intended).
8. You Shall Not Steal. Let that little girl have the doll she’s holding. Sure you’re bigger and can take it before her mommy sees, but come on.
9. You Shall Not Bear False Witness Against Your Neighbor. All right, this one doesn’t work so much, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on, no?
10. You Shall Not Covet Anything That Belongs To Your Neighbor. Simply put, let the Joneses be the Joneses and let the Smiths be the Smiths. The things that you have that are important can’t be bought and can’t be sold. They are learned and passed along from one generation to the next. Take a look at who you are, and stop worrying about everyone else.
Bottom line is this: We all need to wake up and recognized that we are being played. Somehow we’ve bought into this notion that owning bigger and better stuff makes us bigger and better people. When in fact it makes us shallower and hollower. Last Friday proved that quite well. So here’s to next Back Friday when the stores are empty, the aisles deserted, and everyone is home with their families having made a decision about what is truly important, and acted upon it.
Dave Chameides is an environmental educator and freelance filmmaker. He writes alternative fuel articles for Edmunds.com and maintains the blogs 365 Days of Trash and Achieving Sustainability. While he is presently saving all of his trash for a year to better understand his environmental impact, his main focus is sustainability through education and believes that with knowledge all things are possible.
related stories
-
(71 comments)
-
(26 comments)
-
(20 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
70 comments
add your comment »well, having been employed in the retail business for over the last 31 years, this was my 31st Black Friday. I hate it, and think it should be outlawed.....the driving factor for both sides is Greed. Retailers are licking their lips and wringing their hands at all the profit they are making....customers are seeing dollar signs they think they are saving by getting to the store at 3am.
When I retire from retail, you can bet your sweet bippy, on Black Fridays, I'll be home asleep in my nice warm bed.
Greed is a terrible thing....on both sides of the coin.
keep smilin,
olehippy13 / randy
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I bought nothing!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
This may boggle the minds of those with the "Jesus is the reason for the season" mentality. A few of them in my life are the most gung-ho for Black Friday.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
thank you!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Kai, you should not hate to say it. You should love, and then say it. Except for a little lack of love in tone, your comment does a great job (seriously) of expressing what I too believe. Yes, we all need to wake up! When we do, we will indeed laugh when we realize that, as the song says, "life is but a dream."
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I almost hate to say it, but there is a world beyond America. There is no American Dream that needs re-defining. People all over the world just need to WAKE UP! It's a matter of consciousness. Being conscious is not an intellectual process like being P.C.. Consciousness goes way beyond everything there is. Politicians especially our 'leaders', like to have us think that they are at the top of the tree. They are nothing.
I have met beggars who are clearer sighted, more intelligent and with a keener wit than any of your celebs or politicos. I have met poets on the streets. They all lack one thing. Self-esteem. The American Dream is built on vast amounts of self-esteem. Nothing wrong with that except that most self-esteem is based on ignorance. It's easy to be blind when you don't want to see the consequences of your actions because they contradict your petty ambitions. This is how America has walked through the Planet. In ignorance and unconsciousness. Nothing wrong with dreaming, just be aware of what it is you are asking for. And look at your leaders. They are the epitamy of ignorance including the new incumbent. Nothing new here, just more of the same, propagating the same old farce. There is nothing you can replace the American Dream with except consciousness. Watch what you eat, where you go, what you do, why you do it. Be honest,.. not delusional. Leave this to the politicians and 'the elite', for they are trying to feed your dreams. Wake up, and have a good laugh!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks, Dave, for this article! It let me know I am not the only one who feels this way about Black Friday and the American Dream. The slaughter of that Wal-Mart employee on Long Island is not only a horrible, shameful event, but it is the day the American Dream officially became a nightmare.
The trampling and shooting are a logical progression from the pushiness and rudeness of Christmas past, and for that very reason, I think you were quite right in suggesting a spiritual solution such as the 10 commandments. In view, however, of the shooting incident, as well as the multitude of heinous crimes of "parents" against children, I do have a problem with the commandment to honor your father and mother. To me, father and mother means any person or entity who really and truly lives up to the ideals that those positions stand for... or who at least really and truly tries.
I totally agree that we need to redefine American Dream. In fact, I think we need to redefine a lot of things.
Thanks again, Dave.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
It's interesting that you said "they all want a better life". Indeed, but I think the heart of the problem is what is that? Here in the states (and around the wrld as well) we are all taught to seek the American Dream. What does that revlve around? Stuff - houses, cars, big screen TVS, you name it. At one point, I'm guessing pre-WWII, before credit, before omnipresent advertising like we have today, it seemed like food, shelter, family and health was a dream. Now it's tied into what we own. That's where the sickness is, where the problem and the solution both lay. Look at the current financial situation, in large part caused by bad mortgages here in this country. These were people who were fed that they deserved the American Dream, that it was their right, regardless of whether they could afford it or not. Of course we are all responsible for our own actions, but I largely blame the snake oil salesman who convinced people they could afford what they couldn't and ended up ruining the lives of millions.
The American Dream, that's what needs to be redefined.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
The insanity never stops. Whether it is the marketing to little kids for the latest toy or video game, to the adults & the rush to get the
newest electronics. Didn't we just elect a new president with the idea of change?
If there is going to be a change it has to happen at home, & within ourselves, first. That means recognizing that if we allow ourselves to get caught up in the hype of the holidays, & the marketing, we are met with on media we are nothing but cattle being led to the slaughter.
People are losing their jobs, & being faced with crushing debt. The economy has been sinking fast, in part due to wars, & the financial decisions of the housing lendors, & banks, not to mention poor management from the big auto makers.
Lets get real here - if we are going to shop - make smart choices year round. Find something better to do with your time on "Black Friday". The retailers have gotten out of hand in their rush for money, as have so many others. Buy what you need by saving for it first & when you can afford it. Take back your sanity, slow down & breathe. Talk to your kids about consumerism & let them know that everything you buy comes at a cost, of your time & energy, environmental resources, & eventually those "precious, must-have", items will likely end up in a landfill.
Is it all worth it???
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Dear Dave,
Thanks! - and looks like we are talking the same language. Totally agree on everything you said below. Language has always been, I won't say difficult, just 'not easy'; to comprehend someone's point especially without visuals.
I do feel though things like Black Friday, or any sudden explosion of group sentiment, is an expression of repression, and if you look at the faces of a lot of the people who were actually there at the time, you'll see what I mean. They all want a better life! That's the driving force. Well no, the real motivation must come from a great sense of lack, which is upbringing etc. To crave 'stuff' to such an extent cannot really be condemned, and there is nothing wrong with wanting things, but I feel that those folk who engage in this kind of behaviour suffer from a great powerlessness in their lives. I feel that once you place yourself in such a position, or are put in such a place, you will be open to any and all suggestions on how to get out of it, because to be there is very painful and frightening. Scared people always run. Most of society is running, except they wouldn't call it fear. Now, the parameters are changing and the fear level is being ratcheted up by 'the powers'. You cannot control a contented population. One must make them afraid in order to control. It's always been this way. The rest of us will have to compensate. Whatever you can dream up will do, so long as it's a compensation for the fear-level rising.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: