Friday, November 23, 2018

Today is Black Friday!!!!!!!!


I asked some friends here who come regularly to the Friary to help the friars about Black Friday and some of them said that it was a recent phenomena here in Spain...some knew that it is a day for cheap shopping...some said that they wait anxiously for this day as they can buy certain household items which otherwise would cost them a huge amount.....but every one knows what it is....how it originated and where it came from? I too don't know the real history.....but I did not want to ask Brother google either....just wanted to know from the people but they all disappointed me....with their answers.....but one thing is clear that the "Black Friday" has come to stay in our society and culture...it is going to be a permanent day....it is a discount day....it is a day for those who are not rich....I may be wrong.....but you can hear everyone talking about it.....a lot of excitement...shops decorated with a board outside hanging with words....Black Friday....20/%, 30% etc.....very festive mood like....young and old....all throng to small and big shops....shopping malls get ready well in advance to handle the crowd that would pour in......

My Question is: Is Black Friday promoting consumerism? If so what are going to be the effects and pros and cons? Some people buy because they need it....some buy because it is cheap....having no need but still buying....some buy things in order to distribute among the poor or to gift someone....this  I would promote easily....but having those things which are not used very well and there is no need but still buy....what does it indicate? Outside the shops, on the pavements there are beggars and needy sitting to beg....children in many parts of the world....die due to hunger, thirst and disease....war affected nations and places hit by rains and storms....floods are awaiting support......there is nothing wrong with the Black Friday but my worry is what kind of values it is promoting.....Can Black Friday have a goal and aim to feed the poor and needy....can the proceeds go for the World Organization for equality, to provide food and shelter.....

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