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?
