#HumanCost

[tmarshconnors]

The Pointlessness of Black Friday

Introduction:

Black Friday, the day that has become synonymous with frenzied shopping, long lines, and steep discounts, has become an annual tradition for many. Retailers lure consumers with promises of unbeatable deals and savings, but is the chaos of Black Friday really worth it? In this blog, we'll explore the notion that Black Friday may, in fact, be more pointless than we realize.

Consumerism Run Amok:

One of the primary criticisms of Black Friday is its contribution to the rampant consumerism that plagues society. The day seems to encourage a "buy now, think later" mentality, leading people to purchase items they may not need simply because they appear to be a good deal. This unchecked consumerism not only contributes to environmental issues but also fosters a culture where possessions are valued over experiences.

The Illusion of Savings:

While Black Friday may seem like a bargain hunter's paradise, the reality is often quite different. Retailers employ various tactics to create a sense of urgency, such as limited-time offers and doorbuster deals. In some cases, the discounts aren't as deep as they appear, with some items being marked up before the sale, only to be discounted back to the original price or slightly lower. Consumers may end up spending more than they intended, lured by the illusion of significant savings.

Overhyped and Underwhelming:

The hype surrounding Black Friday can lead to inflated expectations. Consumers anticipate massive discounts and incredible deals, only to find that the products on sale are often outdated or of lower quality. The pressure to make quick decisions in crowded stores can result in hasty purchases that buyers may later regret.

The Human Cost:

The scenes of chaos that often accompany Black Friday, with shoppers rushing into stores and sometimes engaging in aggressive behavior, raise questions about the human cost of this consumerist frenzy. Retail workers are often forced to work long hours under stressful conditions, with some stores opening on Thanksgiving Day itself. This raises ethical concerns about the impact on employees and their ability to spend time with family during the holiday season.

Online Alternatives:

In recent years, the rise of online shopping has provided an alternative to the chaos of in-store Black Friday sales. Cyber Monday, the digital counterpart to Black Friday, offers many of the same deals without the need to brave crowded stores. This shift raises the question: if the same deals are available online, why subject oneself to the stress and potential dangers of in-person shopping on Black Friday?

Conclusion:

While Black Friday may be deeply ingrained in modern consumer culture, it's worth questioning whether the chaos and frenzy associated with it are truly necessary. The rise of online shopping, coupled with ethical concerns and the environmental impact of unchecked consumerism, invites us to reconsider the value of this annual shopping extravaganza. Perhaps it's time to shift our focus away from accumulating possessions and towards more meaningful experiences that truly enrich our lives.

[usnewsper-politics]

Hamas Violence Hinders Peace: The Human Cost of Israel-Palestine Conflict #Hamasviolence #humancost #internationalcommunity #IsraelandPalestineconflict #peaceefforts

[amostcleverdevil]

the cost is real explotiation for profit is killing us and feeding the dementors

#politics #anticorporate #bigPharma #dementors #withdrawals #policy #humancost #forgottengeneration #queercrime #racism #darkwizards

focus on freedom

[aparnamudi]

Elephants have been a part of the Indian identity for years. This visit to the kerala elephant Sanctuary was a bit disturbing though. The cost of human consumption and greed is so apparent here. We are cutting forest after forest to build homes. A family of four has two properties - one away from the city, one in the city - both for convenience. Not realising that for the cost of the getaways - we have cut down a few hundred trees more. We are constantly invading their space and then calling them savage animals when they have to come to us to just survive. We then construct electric fences to keep them out. Their home that we invaded and occupied. These elephants are majestic and so loyal. They are moody and get angry and act stubborn when being given medicines. They let us ride them, let us use them for our good. Humans unfortunately take advantage of everything we get. #keralagram #godsowncountry #keralaspam #travel #travelgram #travelstories #memories #latergram #elephant #elephantlove #nature #humanrace #savetheloom #arre #forest #humancost #kerala #elephantsanctuary (at Kerala) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5zQ5uqhhUe/?igshid=ft1dnfsmz3w1

[repatorynono]

Humancost europeana collection

[instapicsil2]

Senator Julie Morrison talks to a group from ISU about the many concerns they have over the lack of a budget. #ilsenatedems #senmorrison #isu #nobudget #socialservices #humancost http://ift.tt/2oFVJ6q

[budgenius]

It's not simply a battle of politics and laws that takes place in legislatures and courtrooms. It is a war that is being waged in our neighborhoods on a daily basis, adversely affecting millions of people every year, and costing the U.S. taxpayers hundreds of million dollars.

"What's the Cost?" , the new report from Americans for Safe Access, tracks the varying actions taken against #cannabis users by the Department of Justice while sharing the real human stories of the people caught in between.

From the report:

4%= the percentage of their annual budget the DEA used for raids on medical marijuana facilities in 2011 and 2012

$300 million= the approximate amount spent during the Obama administration to investigate, raid, arrest, prosecute, and imprison medical cannabis patients and providers

270= the number of "paramilitary-style raids" carried out by the DEA in the past 4 years (costing approximately $8 million)

[usnewsper-politics]

Hamas Violence Hinders Peace: The Human Cost of Israel-Palestine Conflict #Hamasviolence #humancost #internationalcommunity #IsraelandPalestineconflict #peaceefforts