It’s become a cliché:
Jesus is the reason for the season.
In light of this past Black Friday mayhem, it’s obvious what the season has really become about.
As my oldest daughter pointed out,
“I wonder how many Christians, how many from our church, were in the middle of it all?”
Good question.
Tis’ the Season for Pepper Spray
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Walmart Waffle Riot Breakfast
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Video Game Christmas Carnage
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Christmas Memory Card Memories
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Thoughts?
Curtis Simmons says
Black Friday chaos is beyond sad, it’s tragic. It gets increasingly worse every year, it’s truly a real world reflection of the movie Idiocracy. The shoppers are to blame for fighting each other over cheap, meaningless products that were already very cheap prior to the sale. These people aren’t fighting over the last loaf of bread in a war torn country. This is the land of plenty, you can get these same products with no hassle any day of the year. The stores are also to blame for creating these scenarios. I wish some major retailer would opt out of the frenzy next year and spread out their sales over many days to avoid these dangerous situations.
Eric Dye says
Good points, Curtis.
Michael Beck says
I blame the stores on this one. The people involved are obviously selfish and not respectful of others… but the stores could have prevented this.
I have been to one black friday opening. It was a best buy, and they handled it perfectly. We waited all night, and when the time came, they went down the line handing out tickets for the door buster items. Then they let a limited amount of people in at a time. it was very orderly, and I got a cheap TV!
There are ways to prevent this madness!
Eric Dye says
True.
I think it depends on what part of the country you live in, too.
Eric J says
That makes sense! I was asking my wife why they don’t hand out tickets to the people in line, since all these riots happen at Walmart (hyperbolically speaking) it’s obvious that they are handling the situation wrong.
Raoul Snyman says
Here in the rest of the world, we don’t have Thanksgiving, and we don’t have Black Friday. When I first learned about it, I had the same sort of thoughts your daughter had.
It’s consumerism and it’s highest, and I wonder how many Christians are taking part. My wife is from the USA, and she tells me that her family never took part in Black Friday (yes, took part – you make the choice to be part of it).
To be perfectly honest, I am of the opinion that taking part is worldly, and no Christian should do so. But that’s just my opinion…
Raoul Snyman says
That should read, “It’s consumerism at its highest…”
Eric Dye says
HA!
Jonathan Gardner says
Yeah, and most items can be gotten through sites like Amazon, for less than the Black Friday prices, throughout the year, as you mentioned. Maybe some do, but I for one don’t feel the need to risk life & limb, just to save a couple dollars here and there. Most people probably only end up saving $30-$40, so is it really worth waiting in line for hours, wading through seas of people (who literally are packed like sardines), and likely getting at least some minor injuries, just to save a little money?
Eric Dye says
True. I think it’s mostly a “high” feeling some shoppers get.
Jonathan Gardner says
Ah. The shopping versions of adrenaline junkies, then.
Eric Dye says
I don’t think most Christians would ever support this animal like behavior.
Dustin W. Stout says
That Wal-mart where the pepper spray happened is right across the street from my church.
Eric Dye says
CRAZY!