The UK has ‘adopted’ Black Friday with vigour, like most trends, often consumer trends, that swap from America to the UK, or back. Or anywhere in the world, social media (which can be a fantastic tool) and the ‘need for greed’ has led us to a place where many now avoid what is supposed to be a time of rejoicing and rebirth of the year, whatever your beliefs. In the UK and Boxing Day and New Years sales are plugged, often with very few ’savings’ and for those things do may not need!
“Here we are, in the midst of what is supposedly the most joyous time of year: the holiday season. And yet, for most of us, it’s also the most stressful time of year. At some point Santa Claus turned corporate, and the holiday season metamorphosed into the holiday shopping season.
Shopping. This one word, although birthed from great intentions, has fundamentally changed our outlook from blissful to grim, from jolly to anxious, from celebrating Christmas to surviving the holidays. It’s upsetting, and with consumption’s vicious inertia, it seems there’s no way for us to exit the speeding train of consumerism.
This Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year: Black Friday. (Boxing Day is the overseas equivalent.) Retailers prepare months in advance for this dark day—preparation that’s meant to stimulate our insatiable desire to consume: Doorbuster sales. New products. Gigantic newspaper ads. TV, radio, billboards. Sale, sale, sale! Early bird specials! One day only! Get the best deal! Act now! While supplies last. See store for details.”
Transition Telford 