The 9News media outlets are re-reporting that France is considering banning Black Friday, "…on the grounds that it is bad for the planet, promotes 'over-consumption' and flouts strict rules on sales periods".
https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/frenzied-consumerism-…
The proposed ban will be added to an 'anti-waste' bill for debate next month.
I found it an interesting read.
Great film, and obviously very topical.
You guys might like a documentary called Status Anxiety where a philosopher explains that we buy stuff so that people like us. Literally you don't have any worth as a human being without material things in a consumer society.
This has led to a morally bankrupt society where most people live nightmarish lives doing tasks they either dislike or hate chasing an idea that won't make them happy.
"buy products they did not need", wow, talk about thought police! What if I decide to hold off on a needed purchase to see if I can get a good deal during black friday? Apparently, I'm wrong, and I really did not need those things. I don't know how we get from being mindful about our purchases and impact on environment, to a need to be policed in such a fashion. If this sale is so bad it deserves to be banned, why are normal sales permitted? Why not prohibit the modern Commercial Christmas Culture, as it has (unfortunately in my mind) lost most of its religious meaning for many, and is simply a 3 month shopping festival?
Personally, I reckon office Kris Kringle gifts are far more wasteful, and much likely to be in the trash within 24 hours of receiving, than a black friday bargain!
I won't comment too much on my thoughts about French culture, except that I doubt that luxury goods like fine wine, would ever be considered "products they did not need" in the same way.
I concur that Kris Kringle presents are basically burning money. If done right they at least provide a laugh or two. The best present I ever saw was a large pack of toilet paper. Got the biggest laugh and was actually useful. Probably a first for Kris Kringle.
How about this recent article: https://www.savings.com.au/credit-cards/aussies-wasted-over-…
"Australians are ready to give Santa the sack this year, with new research revealing over $400 million worth of unwanted presents were gifted last year and 10 million unwanted gifts were received – coming at a huge cost to our finances and the environment."
Some content in the article is encouraging, but those figures are incredible.
I agree that it's wasteful - but why not try to make it socially acceptable to shun excessive consumerism rather than enforcing draconian laws that infringe on people's existing freedoms? What about the massive burdens and costs to society due to sugar addiction and alcohol abuse? It would be simple to make parallel arguments "in the interests of society and people"?
It seems that the general population cannot or will not ignore the temptations of consumerism.
Most of us know it is wasteful, but we still participate (usually to excess).
Sugar taxes are increasing in prevalence, and the UK (as an example) introduced taxes on alcohol; both taxes are intended to deter the masses from overindulgence to relieve some of those burdens and costs to society.
Black Friday is American consumerism as is Christmas.
Glad they called it for it is, a giant waste.
Is it hard for people to look out for things they need or want rather than buying something just because sales?
Apparently so.
It's the same reason why cold calls work: you don't know you need the item until someone tells you you must have it. Plus they always tack on how much you'll 'save' if you buy this item. Well, you won't save anything if you didn't intend to purchase the item or don't need it.
My answer to all sales and cold calls is "no". If I didn't want the item five minutes ago then why would I want it now?
High sales volumes enable greater purchasing power by retailers, enabling them to offer lower prices to customers. I don’t see how making an effort to save money is assumed to be equivalent to impulse buying in all cases.
You can also look up Buy Nothing Day. I discovered it about a decade ago when the founder tried to promote the concept on tv and radio programs by purchasing advertising space and none of the stations agreed.
nah, nothing really compelling to buy so far anyway
Anyone that doesn’t like shopping should find the nearest exit, now!
I think this is a more mature reflective piece that is likely to have greater impact than just blanket bans:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-life-cha…
The French government would be foolish to say no to easy money.
https://www.thelocal.fr/20171124/how-the-french-have-convert…
French shoppers will spend around €845 million online and €4.5 billion in shops this weekend, according to the study.
I'm not sure how the French government makes money from Black Friday?
Taxes.
I'm guessing the real reason they want to ban it is because of latent anti-Americanism.
Probably more accurate to reference the strong belief in French culture.
I'm not a fan of 'banning' any sale or sales day, but do get a chuckle every year out of seeing Walmart videos where people are almost killing each other for a $199 LCD TV. So called black Friday is the official start to the Christmas shopping season, although most stores already have their Christmas stock out in early September.
I find it funny and more than a bit sad how we have this organized buying frenzy for Christmas every year. Everyone is expected, nay demanded, to have a 'magical' Christmas. If your Christmas is less than 'magical' then you're a failure and clearly haven't spent enough money. The car parks are full all of December at local shopping centres and the aggro comes out as people seek that last parking space. And then… there's another huge buying frenzy the day after Christmas! It's bordering on sick.
Last year my family got into a huge heated argument 5 minutes into Christmas lunch. Why do we do it? Does anyone actually like it?
And before going to any sales this Christmas, watch the short animation 'Happiness' on youtube. Absolutely fantastic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9dZQelULDk