In class we discussed how we as individuals can make a difference in the wake of something as undignified as Black Friday. Consumerism has been imbedded into our lives. As all of you saw in the video of Black Friday, people were pushing each other and grabbing merchandise. After the discussion, Monica put three piles of papers on the table at the front of the class. The majority of the class of the class came up and started grabbing them. It was not nearly as chaotic as the video we saw but students were reaching across each other and grabbing what they needed first. This is a good representation of how indoctrinated we are into the consumer system. It’s all about me. What can we do about this? Some class members waited until the crowd left to get their papers. How dignified! These are the kind of people we need. Lead by example and others will follow. After the discussion did anyone think to volunteer to hand out the papers? The season of giving has been centered wrongly around buying items to give. Yes, buying something for someone is giving but there are other things you can do that don’t involve consuming. Not everyone celebrates Christmas but how can we meet on a common ground with others of different beliefs? This was touched upon in class: volunteering. It doesn’t matter what you believe, coming together to help those in need is very dignified and is the spirit of giving. I’m not writing this to cause you to be defensive. I’m writing this to have you do some introspection. Think about the values you have been taught and think about the ways you can embrace the season of giving without actually purchasing anything. What will you do to make a difference, specifically, how will you go about your everyday life in order to live the difference?
yes some people went directly to the table, and others waited, but if we all waited would anything ever get achieved?
ReplyDeleteVolunteering is so easy to do, and it may feel good for a short time in our lives as we did something that helped someone else less fortunate or someone that just needs a little help.I honestly think taking part of your day to get to know someone new is the most helpful, maybe that new person needs someone to talk to or even worse they need help and are afraid to ask for it. Easily enough elderly people become lonely and secluded, not saying they are easy targets but its a very good place where someone can become a regular in their lives.
Kristopher,
DeleteThank for bringing up a very important and valid point.
The point that Ryan was trying to make was not about waiting, It was about taking turns, helping each other, and respecting those already at the table. His point is that our society as a whole is so focused on ourselves that we do not even realize what we are doing. It is so deeply embedded into us that it has become our norm. It was not always like this. Our society has changed. Seeing this and becoming aware will help everyone be more productive.
Yes, if we all waited nothing would get done, theoretically. However, this is more about the fact that we typically just "get for ourselves." No one took on a leadership role to assist in handing out the papers in an organized way, everyone was up there to grab what THEY needed (in the case of Black Friday, they were simply out to get what they wanted, not necessarily a need). It's also about having an awareness about ourselves, as individuals, a culture, whatever the case may be.
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DeleteKris,
DeleteYou bring up a great point that we wouldn't get anything done if nobody were to get up. But would it kill anyone to stand up and be a leader. I know we had a blog about leadership not too long ago. I agree with you that spending time with old people is a great way to bring them back to a happiness that they once experienced and are now lacking.
There are so many things we can do as individuals as well as groups to improve someone’s outlook on life. Simple things like holding the door open or helping someone carry their things can make a positive difference in another’s day. During the holiday season, many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and hunting down the best deals. We believe the only things people want are purchased goods- and it seems like they have to be top of the line, brand name goods in order to be worth anything. Gone are the times when it was more rewarding to actually do something that would benefit the other person. Now it’s about who can spend the most money on a gift. If we take the time to step back and go ahead and do something helpful or beneficial, we can get a sense of what this season is really about. The list of ideas is endless. Every sort of volunteer opportunity, or donating things that people need such as coats, mittens, food, etc. can be really helpful in the upcoming months, but all throughout the year as well.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
DeleteI agree how the simple things can make a big difference in someones day. I personally feel when somebody compliments me or helps me out in some way, that is a great feeling and can make my day that much better. Being helpful to a stranger can make there day better and give them a smile. I think it is sad how it is all about getting the next big thing and spending so much money on people. If we could just donate some of our time towards volunteering that would go farther than getting someone the next iPod when they already have one or something.
It seems that people in this generation are so obsessed with buying their children the best gifts for the holidays. I realized from our discussion that since the holidays are about giving, shouldn’t we encourage our families to give to others rather than give to our already privileged relatives? Even though a small minority of Black Friday shoppers may be trying to give as much as they can to people by paying the least amount of money, it doesn’t take away the fact that they are already better off than most. Gifts don’t, and shouldn’t, be made of money. If we can get our families to go out in the community and shovel some driveways or volunteer at a soup kitchen then I think that not only be an inexpensive way to give, but it would be meaningful to those who receive it. This year, I hope I can convince my family to go out and shovel some driveways. I think this will put a smile on people’s faces and inspire them to give in a small way as well. Inspiration can drive us to do some wonderful things and I think it’s about time we use it in a way that can benefit others!
ReplyDeleteJenny,
DeleteIt is so true that many parents want to buy their children the newest and best thing out there. Working as a family in the community will not only help those that you are giving your service and time to but also to family working together. They have time to spend with each other, to talk and catch up on very one’s life. It is a way for the family to grow together. I think a lot of family would benefit from doing something like this. Like think it is great how you are going to try to get your family out into the community and help out. I have done it before with my family plus my grandma on Christmas morning. It is so great to see the joy on the faces of the people you are helping out and in the end you will feel that joy too.
Jenny,
DeleteI completely agree about families having more than they need. Most of BlackFriday shoppers are families that have enough to survive and get by just fine. But as you said, people want to get their kids/parents/relatives the latest and greatest. I saw a quote online and it made me laugh. "Only in America do we stand in line and fight eachother for what we dont have only hours after we are thankful for what we do have." Its a sad realty but it is the truth.
I, unfortunately, admit to being one of the people who grabbed the paper first. It was more of an instinct to me and I find that this may be an “instinct” for a lot of people. The thoughts of “I do need this now” and “if I don’t get it now there won’t be another opportunity” go through my head at times and I am sure other people think the same way especially around Christmas or Black Friday. Being able to control that urge to go out and spend your money on mostly useless items is very important aspect of it.
ReplyDeleteVolunteering is basically the main way to reach common ground. It is giving up some of your time to help others in need without being paid. Volunteering doesn’t just mean joining Habitat for Humanity or other groups; it is just being helpful when necessary. For example, you see someone shoveling and you’re finished, why not go and help? This is just one example, but even the smallest acts of kindness go a long way.
There are plenty of ways to embrace the season of giving without purchasing anything and volunteering is just one of them. I could make my own presents for my family or I could clean the house without them asking me. Or maybe I could just tell my parents that I love them and how thankful I am to have them as my parents. Buying things isn’t always a bad thing, but when we turn a holiday about giving thanks into one about buying a bunch a random, on sale stuff, that’s when it crosses the line. I can make a difference on my own in many ways. I rarely buy stuff to begin with, but when I do I try and make sure that it is something I need, not something I want. I can be helpful when I see someone who needs a hand or smile at the people I walk past everyday. It can be as basic as that or it could be something else such as donating food. Living the difference really isn’t about listing what you will do; it is about being consciously aware of the people around you and recognizing when people look like they are struggling or having a bad day and trying to make their day a little easier.
Paul,
DeleteYour comments are so honest and insightful.
"Living the difference really isn’t about listing what you will do; it is about being consciously aware of the people around you and recognizing when people look like they are struggling or having a bad day and trying to make their day a little easier." We can all learn from these words. Awareness and opening our eyes brings change and growth.
~monica
Society is very fixed on consumerism nowadays. Everybody is always fixed on buying the perfect present for their family and friends. Our discussion in class really opened up my eyes to the power of Black Friday. It is almost embarassing to see our American society act like such animals. They forget what the Christmas season is all about: being with family and celebrating all the gifts that we have in life. I think that it is important to remind people what the season is about. I think that volunteering your time is a good way of giving back to the community. You can shovel your elderly neighbor's driveway or help someone carry their groceries to their car. This will probably inspire other people to go out and help others. It is a domino effect. With all of this, I think that we can help change the world one driveway at a time.
ReplyDeleteEmily, i agree with you that we need to remind people about the real reason of christmas and that spending time with family and friends could be the best gift someone could want. I feel that the term christmas has become to commercialised worldwide and that all it is about is who can give the best present to someone else. Christmas nowadays is a big time for companies on making money, if it was before, companies wouldn't mind about this because christmas had a different meaning.
DeleteTo make a difference in someones life, or turn a frown upside down, can be done with some of the smallest things. We don't need to buy the next big thing for someone, to make them happy. Sometimes just a simple smile, compliment, or just helping with a chore can go a far way. I was waiting in line to pay at storms one day, and a lady in front of me lost her card and had no way of paying. The person in front of her said that she would pay for her meal. The lady greatly appreciated it and had a huge smile on her face. HIgh tech gifts only last a few years maybe until you want the next greatest gadget. Helping someone out, and taking time out of your day would mean a lot more to a person. Just spending time with Grandparents and shoveling their driveway, would mean more to them than getting them an IPad. We can still show people we love and care about them, just by giving them some time out of our day and helping them out.
ReplyDeleteJake, I completely agree with what you had to say about complimenting or just smiling at someone going a long way. It's amazing how much better of a day you can have if someone just says something nice to you. The nicest presents really don't make people happy, like you said sometimes they only last a few years until something better is out and then you're just not happy anymore. The point about the grandparents and the Ipad is so true and most people don't realize that.
DeleteWhenever the holidays roll around the corner my family always manages to fit in " It's the thought that counts" into everything. As a child I would always think... well ok at least I got something but as I got older I started to realize something. When my family was saying that all those years they weren't just putting it into reference for presents but actually meaning that its nice to think of others and give in a sense that will help them out in many ways. For some reason many of us think that we can only give on holidays or when we get something in return. But why does it have to be like that? Can we give to others everyday. For instance, if someone was eating alone in the cafeteria you could go and eat with them. Introducing yourself and getting to know one another. By doing something like this I see that you are giving to someone. Yes it may not be something like a favorite toy or whatever but you are giving them something that may blossom into a friendship. And I can guarantee that, that is something that is cherished.
ReplyDeleteMiriah,
DeleteI felt the same way about gifts when I was younger. I didn’t really put much thought into “it’s the thought that counts.” In all reality, it is really difficult to pick out gifts for people and know if they are really going to like them. Everyone wants the newest thing, but that’s not always possible. This season is really about spending time with friends and family, and doing what we can for others, not about spending the most money on a gift. I also liked that you added that we could do little things to make a difference in someone’s day more than just around the holidays. We really can carry this thought and action throughout the entire year, and in return, it could make a real, positive influence on another person.
Like so many people before me wrote, consumerism is a huge problem in our society but it also has some benefits. I know for me, when I work hard and earn money that I deserve, I feel good about it and feel good when I can able to spend it. I know that the money I am spending was earned from hard work. It always feels good when you can buy things from the money that you earned. Granted it’s not okay to blow it all on things that are unneeded but it is nice to have something that you know you worked hard to get. An example would be two years ago when I really wanted a new digital camera. It took me half a year to earn all the money I needed to pay for it, one birthday, one Christmas and many babysitting jobs. Now I take really good care of that camera because I know how hard I worked to get it.
ReplyDeleteThe sense of community that one receives from helping out those around them is immense. Whether it is like Monica said, shoveling someone’s driveway or working at a soup kitchen, maybe even closer to home; if you parents need help around the house to get ready for the holiday season. Those small things can add up to so much more. I remember a commercial where one person did something nice for someone and then the person who had the niceness put on them, help out another person and the chain continued. At the end of the commercial it said, “niceness, pace it on”, or something to that extent. These small things can change a person’s life.
Emily,
DeleteI agree with you that spending your own money that you have worked hard for is very rewarding. It always makes me feel better when I can give to other people. I also know that if you really want something, instead of asking your parents for the money, it is way more satisfying trying to save the money and buying it yourself.
I like your example of how the small things can add up to something more. I also remember seeing a commercial like that and it is actually very true. Small things can be more meaningful if it comes from the heart.
I was actually really choked seeing the video on how people act during black Friday. Lots and lots of people pushing each other sometimes even biting to get a product that went on sale. Honestly I have never seen anything like this before and I don’t even know how to respond to it. Seeing the video was funny but also very sad because Christmas is coming and people are acting like animals (excuse my language), there should be at least a minimum of respect and dignity people should be out there helping each other not turning against each other. Even in third world countries people don’t act like this. The only time I have seen this type of video is when some part of the African region people where starving and where taking food provided by “US aid” this type of situation is understandable but “black Friday” is not. Where is the respect for elderly people and people don’t even thing about little kid who might be out there, with that type of crowed they might get injured or even worse.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your honest and truly educating post. We can all learn so much from your comments.
DeleteI completely agree with you. I have seen videos like this before and every year it completely shocks me just how poorly people think when it comes to black friday shopping. It really truly is pathetic when you think about it. I am sorry that you have to see how poorly people act on this day, but we need to have people change this way of acting.
DeleteFitsum,
DeleteYour observation seemed very interesting to me. The fact that you noticed the only times people were acting like they do here on Black Friday was when they were starving and needed food for their families was insane. Everyone who goes Black Friday shopping has the means to live. They are not starving and neither are their families. I never thought about this before. People who go Black Friday shopping and I truly think it is every single person, has the means to give to others. There are so many people out there that are starving, in need of shelter and safety, and have no means to compensate these things. How is it that people can go out there and act like animals when absolutely none of them are acting dignified and are forgetting about those who really need help?
The video of the people on black Friday was completely ridiculous. It is sickening to see how much consumerism has taken over society in America. Everyone is only worried about getting themselves and their loved ones what they want. There is not any dignity shown between the people there. I like to completely ignore black Friday personally. As for the class getting up to get the papers, I guess I did not realize that was related to the way people act on black Friday. I did not notice that I was being selfish in a way when I was getting my papers, but it does make sense. I did not offer to get anyone else the papers or to hand them out, I only got myself the papers.
ReplyDeleteI will try to think about the little things that I do every day, and see if I am being selfish in any way. Holding the door open for someone can be a small way to help them out. Volunteering at an organization to help others out in the Holiday that cannot afford it on their own is something I would like to do. I would also like to steer away from consumerism this Holiday season by making it primarily about spending time with my family and loved ones. I honestly could care less about what presents I get. What I love the most is seeing all my family together happy and healthy.
Marissa,
DeleteI agree with you that looking in on Black Friday from an spectator's view point, but I was completely oblivious to what was happening in my surroundings while participating in Black Friday. The paper thing that we did in class, was a great example about how we Americans are raised. We need the first and best of everything, at any cost.
In my life, my family never did anything on black Friday except work. When I worked on black friday I saw people fight over stuff that they didn't need even when the store I work at is only doing 20% off like shoes. people will always want things for as cheap as possible no matter what. One thing about what Monica said about the people who stayed back and waited and how they were "dignified", it may seem dignified but when i do something like that i'm just thinking about my safety not everybody else's so i don't really see standing away from the crowd as dignified.
ReplyDeleteAaron,
DeleteWorking during Black Friday seems like it would be chaotic, but you get the benefit of watching these people fight over crap that they really don’t need. I feel like I would gain dignity by watching this knowing that you’re not participating in this shameful “holiday.” I do agree that people always want things for as cheap as it can go and that shouldn't always be considered a bad thing if you’re trying to save a few greenbacks. Obviously, something like this is a bit barbaric when you have people fighting over shoes that they probably don’t need.
Showing dignity isn’t just about safety. You showed courtesy and respect for those of us who couldn’t wait. You showed that you had patience and in the
Then I have a question that should be answered, if people are only looking out for themselves, don't care about what anybody else does or doesn't do and they do something like buy things early instead of later because of the people, is that person dignified because he did not want to get hurt? or is he not dignified at all because he still got what he wanted?
Delete> Is that person dignified because he did not want to get hurt? Or is he not dignified at all because he still got what he wanted?
DeleteWe all need to look out for ourselves and not wanting to get hurt is a reasonable desire, but when you say that they “are only looking out for themselves, don’t care about what anybody else does or doesn’t do…and they buy things early instead of later because of the people” it does seem a bit less dignified.
Dignity is about respecting ourselves and other people. If we “don’t care” about what other people do, then I would say that we would lack dignity. Looking out solely for ourselves is conceded and I wouldn’t consider that dignity, but I suppose it depends on the situation as well. Caring about what other people do is an important part of dignity and should not be looked over.
You asked a very philosophical question and I tried to answer it…somewhat. It is difficult to approach because dignity is about everyone, not just yourself.
Aaron I agree with what you said about everyone wanting everything as cheap as possible, but i don't think that is the problem. The problem is the way people go about doing this especially when there is competition.
DeleteThe video of people on Black Friday I find very comical. I have never been that much into shopping so seeing other people fighting over something I don't like is kind of entertaining. It takes some pretty determined people to do the things the psychotic consumers do. I worked all day Black Friday this year so I did no shopping and I am kind of glad. I do not need to be apart of that. Its the holiday season. Theres always going to be sales. Its not just that day. I dont believe standing in the back of the crowd as dignified. They arent being apart of the group either. Thats excluding in a way.
ReplyDeleteTo me that video of the people is just wrong. Why the day after being thankful for the things you have, do you go absolutely crazy and hurt other people over deals at stores? I have never went black friday shopping and I am glad that i haven't it's just nuts. I don't think that standing in the back of the crowd is being dignified. It's just like they want to be there but not part of the mob of people. I would say they're just trying to be away from everyone and still try and snag a sale or two.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree one day your thankful for what you have and the next (black Friday) you go crazy pushing people, steeping on them and even fitting for something that you will break one day. Its just sad.
DeleteI believe that the video of how the people were acting on Black Friday is just ridiculous. People are pushing and fighting and biting each other. I do not understand how any deals could possibly be worth acting like this. They are literally acting like three year old kids when someone else tries to take the toy they are playing with. What leads us to act like this? I don't really know. You could say it is an instinct. You could also say it is also just stupidity. If you need something that badly, you will be willing to pay they money for it. I saw it happen with the papers after watching the video. I can tell it is not as bad as the video. But imagine if there were five things worth a couple thousand dollars up there. I bet people would have acted a lot more like the video. It has become embedded into our culture and needs to change by building awareness to the younger kids coming up in the next generation.
ReplyDeleteLogan,
DeleteI agree with you completely. The people on the video of Black Friday shopping was crazy. Yes, I believe that it is in human nature to look out for yourself in a way, but the way people act on Black Friday definately streches human nature into complete chaos. I would much rather pay the normal prices for the things I buy rather than go through Black Friday to get deals. I also agree that if there were things that were worth money at the front of the classroom, we would be reacting pretty crazy to get up there. This type of nature has been linked into our society, and it would be a great thing if we could make a difference to stop this.
The video of black friday to me was a good representation of how our society is a slave to the media and consumerism. I saw this video on an episode of Tosh.O which he stated that the people were fighting over cheap phones (possibly tracfones). To me, I think its pretty sad how people become selfish and chaotic overall during black friday. When I was little, I remember standing in a long line outside of walmart with my parents. The line almost reached the highway.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the holidays, todays society should be reintroduced to what the holidays are all about. whether you celebrate christmas or any other holidays, the "season" always means togetherness. The holidays are about getting together with family, friends, and even people you don't know, sharing stories and laughter. Family and friends are much more valuable than materialistic possessions. Respect and caring about everyone from whatever ethnicity, religion, etc. This is one season we forget our sorrows and our hatred, and share happiness and helping others.
I admit I may be somewhat hypocritical because I do buy gifts for others, but it is not a bad thing to do so. It shows that you worked hard to get someone in your life (Family, friend, or significant other, to get the money to get something they will love and put sentimental value towards. Examples of the video about Black friday is a great example how todays society needs to change its selfish and controlled connection to consumerism.
The video to me was absolutely ridiculous, I have never actually experienced black friday. I know that sounds non American, but it just really has never sounded that important to me. After watching that video in class I don't think I will ever want to experience it. I am sure I will at some point in my life but I do not want to run across people like the ones in the video. Bitting people over a product, that truely makes us look terrible. People need to start realize that money and products do not make us happier in life. It may make you happy for that second, but then later you will just want more. When we were all grabbing the papers I was thinking wow this just shows how we all are. I was thinking I should hand them out but I never took the initiative to actually do it though. I feel like lots of us do that, someone needs to just stand up and take over. I need to start putting my thoughts into action.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the people that waited until the end to grab my papers. It is just something I do on a regular basis to be polite, and just for the fact that I hate being crowded. It wasn't until about halfway through the paper grabbing process that I realized the Monica put the papers there for a reason. It is crazy how our minds work that we could talk about Black Friday and how terrible it is, and then do our own mini version just moments after. I think volunteering is an essential part in community. Roseville Hockey does it every year helping the Lions Club with their winter tree sales. I've been apart of it the last 4 years at it is really neat experience. It isn't the most fun task out there, but as with most volunteering, it is not hard to make it fun. I had a great time each year volunteering during the winter months. I think that there are many ways to celebrate this great season other than purchasing gifts for each other. I'm going to experience the college break for the first time this winter, and I will spend a lot of time with family and friends that I haven't seen for a while. Just simply spending time with each other is a way to celebrate the season.
ReplyDeleteThe video that was showed in class on what happened on black friday really shocked me on how people can behave when something small (like the sale on items) can escalate to people punching and kicking each other over a television. However, the sad thing is that it wouldn't just happen over here, i know it would happen in other countries similar to america because we all take wanted items for granted and we pay too little attention to necessities. I personally feel that if someone consistently volunteers then they are making a change, i definitely think it helps a huge amount but if someone only volunteers but doesn't make the people around them happy then they aren't really doing a huge part in making the world a better place. Volunteering tends to just involve items, if someone just talks or smiles at another and actually makes friends, i feel its a bigger aspect to improving the world. The major thing we need in this world is happiness and friendship, with that we can complete a lot more things than if no one spoke or liked each other.
ReplyDeleteWhen we watched the video in class I was very surprised. I knew that black friday was a big deal to some people but what went on in the video was over the top. Its amazing that people are so pushy and self-centered when it comes to things like this. Its a perfect example of what not to become. If everyone was a little less focused on themselves this wouldn't be a problem. I can change my own ways by volunteering and doing more things for others rather than myself.
ReplyDelete