Black Friday is almost here and I hate it so much that I can’t even be arsed writing a proper introduction. Here are just three reasons I hate Black Friday…
1. It brings out the worst in people
Every year we see videos of grown adults pushing each other, fighting over TVs and snatching toys from the hands of other people’s children. It’s just disgusting. It makes me wonder whether these people are this vicious and materialistic all the time or whether the hype of Black Friday brings out the very worst in people.
Since 2006, seven people have died and 98 have been injured during Black Friday sales around the world. I know that’s not a huge percentage when you consider how many people go to these things but it’s still ridiculous that people are getting hurt or killed for the sake of discounted goods. Don’t get involved!
2. It encourages us to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t necessarily have
Sure, that TV might be £50 cheaper than it was on Thursday, but do you really need it? Thanks to Black Friday, most shoppers end up spending more money than they would if the day didn’t even exist. They end up buying things they don’t really need, often with money they don’t necessarily have.
Most of the time, the deals aren’t even that good but we’re mesmerised by big red stickers and brainwashed into buying junk. You can save more money by staying at home, avoiding retailers’ websites and not buying anything.
3. It perpetuates the idea that Christmas is just about stuff
Some people justify Black Friday by arguing that it’s the only way they can afford to buy Christmas presents. Personally, I think that’s nonsense. If you can’t afford to buy gifts any other day of the year, you shouldn’t be splurging on Black Friday. Save your money for the essentials rather than breaking the bank and starting the new year broke.
We need to ditch the idea that Christmas is all about stuff. It’s not. Or at least it shouldn’t be. What does James Corden say in the Sainsbury’s Xmas ad? “The greatest gift they’ll get this year is me!”
Instead of worrying about missing out on fantastic deals this winter, focus on spending time with the people you care about. This Black Friday, invite your mates round and tell them to each bring a bottle of booze and some grub to share. I guarantee that a night in front of the telly with your best buds will be 10 times better than chinning a stranger in Asda because he beat you to the last Xbox.
What are your thoughts on Black Friday? Do you hate it as much as I do or are you often tempted by the sales? Let me know in the comments below!
