What Drives the Madness of Black Friday Shopping?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the violence and chaos associated with Black Friday shopping events, highlighting incidents of pepper spray attacks and even fatalities from trampling. Participants express disbelief at the extreme behavior exhibited by shoppers, questioning the value of items that lead to such actions. There is a strong sentiment that retailers like Walmart and Target bear some responsibility for inciting mob mentality through aggressive marketing tactics and limited-time offers, which create a sense of urgency and competition among consumers. Some argue that while individual shoppers must be held accountable for their actions, the stores also play a significant role in fostering an environment that can lead to violence. The conversation touches on broader themes of consumerism and societal values, suggesting that the obsession with material goods may reflect deeper psychological issues. Overall, the thread critiques both consumer behavior and corporate practices, calling for a reevaluation of how sales events are managed to ensure public safety.
  • #51
Ivan Seeking said:
Last year one man was trampled to death by a shopping crowd rushing out of control. This isn't just about pepper spray.
Right, so unless one is obsessed with obtaining a particular item at a particular cost, then one needn't be concerned with trampling or getting trampled at black friday debacles. Point taken. Case closed. Let's move along.
 
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  • #52
Ivan Seeking said:
Last year one man was trampled to death by a shopping crowd rushing out of control. This isn't just about pepper spray.

And last year sports fans took to the streets and rioted multiple times. That such incidents occur is not in dispute. What causes them is the question. When you have thousands of stores all across the United States having similar sales and you point to one incident as being an indicator of what to reasonably expect in such a scenario there is a problem with your logic.
 
  • #53
TheStatutoryApe said:
And last year sports fans took to the streets and rioted multiple times. That such incidents occur is not in dispute. What causes them is the question. When you have thousands of stores all across the United States having similar sales and you point to one incident as being an indicator of what to reasonably expect in such a scenario there is a problem with your logic.
Perhaps the "root cause" of all this hysteria is the focus on "things you can purchase leads to happiness", which indicates much deeper psychological issues, agree ? Clearly rampant consumerism is not the answer to society's ills..."

Rhody...
 
  • #54
There have been issues this year with Air Jordans. Who would fight one another to spend $180 on a pair of sneakers?
 
  • #55
turbo said:
There have been issues this year with Air Jordans. Who would fight one another to spend $180 on a pair of sneakers?
People who think: "things you can purchase lead to happiness", and I might add to show status or exclusivity or that somehow owning a pair makes you special or above all the rest, or worthy of respect. Have I forgotten anything ?

Rhody...
 

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