why must we buy? black friday's powerful pull

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BLACK_FRIDAY_EATS_THANKSGIVING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-11-24-08-39-15

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) -- Gravy was still warm. Dallas Cowboys were still in uniform. Thanks were still being given across the country as the pilgrimages to the stores began, heralding a new era of American consumerism.

Lured by earlier-than-ever Black Friday sales, people left Grandma and Grandpa in search of Samsung and Toshiba. They did not go blindly: In dozens of interviews, people acknowledged how spending has become inseparable from the holidays. Older folks pined for the days of Erector Sets and Thumbelinas while in line to pay iPad prices. Even some younger shoppers said it felt wrong to be spending money instead of quality time on Thanksgiving.

"But we're still out here," said Kelly Jackson, a paralegal who was standing inside a Best Buy store in the Pittsburgh suburbs, a 32-inch television ($189) in her cart. It was a consolation prize: Despite four hours on line, she missed the cheaper 40-inchers ($179) that she had heard about while listening to Internet radio.

Jackson's resignation was common among those who flocked to capitalism's temples for the consumer equivalent of genuflecting. Many said that this Black Friday bled into Thursday crossed a line, that merchants should not intrude like this. Christmas is about the message of Jesus, the feeling went - not about the gold, frankincense and myrrh.

[madrchsod]

1. no one in our family went shopping this week

we are either working or going in a couple of weeks.

[xchrom]

2. there was no 'black friday' when i was growing up -- and my mother being a small woman

hated large shopping crowds -- so i was taught differently.

i have a VERY bad reaction to being treated like a cow.

[slackmaster]

3. This really isn't very hard to figure out. PUT ON THE GLASSES!

[Zorra]

10. That's such an awesome film.

The first time I saw it I just went, "whoa! Yep."

The Matrix of Disillusion.

[Nay]

12. Such a great movie - we don't see its message nearly enough. nt

[99Forever]

4. Who is "we"?

Didn't spend a penny to promote this crap.

Nobody "must" do anything of the sort.

[IDemo]

5. I purchased 15 gallons of 87 octane gasoline

Walked the dogs, ate a turkey sandwich and a slice of pumpkin pie, and took a nap.

[pinboy3niner]

6. Don't forget what was likely the BIGGEST W-M protest in the country, in Paramount, CA

Contradicting Wal-Mart's PR spin, 17 employees walked out at the Paramount store alone, and strike organizers claimed that 50 walked out at just 5 SoCal stores.

And a local newspaper's report suggests the strikes and protests really do have an impact on where consumers want to shop--and not shop.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_22054148/walkmart-walkout-protestors-planning-arrests-at-paramount-location

And here's the historic Paramount protest in photos:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021875581

[xchrom]

7. ...

[pinboy3niner]

11. You're the best, xchrom

[xchrom]

13. I would like to call this Semi Anual Mutual Admiration Society to Order

[Edweird]

8. I bought some things on Friday because it was the first opportunity I had in about a month.

Thursday was my first day off - but everything was closed. I'm not doing gift shopping - just taking care of personal stuff.

[MadHound]

9. Because after years and decades of modern corporate brainwashing,

Most Americans have become good little consumers, as easy to herd as sheep on a summer's day.

[TwilightGardener]

14. When I was a kid in the 70's, I used to go with my mom to gift-shop

the day after Thanksgiving--but it was pleasant and fun, wandering around downtown in the big city, stopping for lunch. Wasn't the crass insanity that it is now. I haven't gone Christmas shopping on Black Friday in years. I can get the usual sweaters, shirts, gift cards, toys, etc. online or some other time. Don't care about sales and deals that much.

[Populist_Prole]

15. Stupid people and their herd mentalities

You see it throughout the year, not just the friday after thanksgiving. It just seems everybody just has to watch and talk about the latest over-hyped movie, TV show, big game, whatever. The media, after the initial pump-priming nudge, just acts like a lubricant to keep the bullshit flowing smoothly.

I've become so thoroughly disgusted over the years I've become a vicious iconoclast regarding pop culture and trends; and outright in-your-face snob. Occasionally there has been some throwing out the baby with the bath water, but overall I feel better for it.

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. I need to stop at best buy...shoot me now

Last edited Sat Nov 24, 2012, 03:59 PM - Edit history (1)

For a replacement lens cap...actually need to go pick meds so will see if they have it at Target first. Shoot me now.

Ok. I am shocked, went to pick my meds at target, no muss, no fuss, parking was easy, in and out. I went to pick the lens cap at best buy, in and out in ten minutes.

Oh and they still have computers on special, quite a few in fact.