Ep 229: The downfall of society - Black Friday

In the latest episode, we delve into one of the biggest failures in consumer culture: Black Friday. As we approach the holiday season, it's essential to understand the chaotic history behind this infamous shopping day. Black Friday has become synonymous with frenzied shopping, doorbuster deals, and, unfortunately, violence. But how did we get here?

Historically, the day after Thanksgiving was meant to kick off the holiday shopping season, but its origins are steeped in political maneuvering. Did you know that Thanksgiving wasn't always celebrated on the same day? It wasn't until Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving in 1863 that it became a national holiday. However, Franklin D. Roosevelt's decision to move it to the fourth Thursday in November in 1939 led to the creation of "Franksgiving" in some states, showcasing the political divide of the time.

The term "Black Friday" itself has a murky history. Initially used by retailers in the 1950s to describe a day when employees called in sick, it later morphed into a marketing term to signify when stores would turn a profit, or go "in the black." Despite attempts to rebrand the name, the negative connotations remain, as incidents of violence and chaos have marred the day.

Throughout the years, Black Friday has seen its fair share of disasters, from tramplings to shootings, all in the name of consumerism. The episode highlights shocking anecdotes of shoppers fighting over discounted items, raising questions about our values and priorities during the holiday season.

As we discuss the evolution of Black Friday, we also touch on the rise of Cyber Monday and the changing landscape of retail sales. With e-commerce growing, the significance of Black Friday is fading, and many are opting for a more peaceful shopping experience from the comfort of their homes.

Join us as we explore these issues and more, reflecting on the societal implications of our shopping habits and the true meaning of the holiday season. Tune in to hear more about the chaos, the history, and why we might be better off skipping Black Friday altogether.