I read OurSpace: Resisting the Corporate Control of Culture for our book review. They talked a lot about Adbusters which is a group which tries to show consumers how corporations are controlling them. And one method they mentioned was by advocating a Buy Nothing Day which they conveniently place on Black Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving when all the big companies have "early bird deals" and pretty much boast about crazy sales which turn out to only cause you to spend more money.
So I logged on the Facebook today and saw on the homepage Buy Nothing Day, hosted by Adbusters. The location is the whole world. They really want to show corporations that people still have some control over what they buy. They say, "For 24 hours you will detox from consumerism and live without mindless, needless shopping. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending (mindlessly)!" People started to complain that this would cause a problem with the economy so they later clarify that you don't have to buy nothing just refrain from buying things you don't need and try to shop at local small businesses. So far about 22,000 people have said they will attend this and I'm sure this number will increase.
If you want to learn more information about Buy Nothing Day then go to http://www.buynothingday.info/main.html
I am neither for nor against Buy Nothing Day. I agree with the point they are trying to make. Does anybody have any thoughts on Buy Nothing Day?
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4 comments:
I knew I would forget to say that this was posted by Kelley Volosin
Hey, it's Jenn
I was actually going to go shopping on Black Friday.Actually, I and Imy cousins+sister are going to be in front of Best Buy at 3a.m. Friday morning in line with bunch of other people huddled in blankets.
I am aware that Black Friday is just another marketing tool created by producers to take money out of consumers' pockets;however, I don't see why shopping on Black Friday is something that one should avoid. If there is an item that one really needs, wouldn't it be better when the person waits for a big sale?
I believe that shopping on Black Friday is rather beneficial if one plans ahead what items he/she needs the most. Also, I agree that especially in this time of economic downfall, we must encourage more spending.
(Jennifer Park)
I like the intention of Buy Nothing Day, but I don't think it's really feasible.
We are aware by now that the symbol is not the thing, but to a lot of people, the symbol does matter. They will buy things just for the sake of appearances, even though the thing may be totally useless. No matter how hard we may try, I don't think we can change their minds.
I, too, agree with the concept of Buy Nothing Day, if merely to raise awareness among people who might not think otherwise about the fact that they do spend mindlessly. But I think the idea of having Buy Nothing Day on Black Friday is not only not feasible, but simply unwise. First of all, people love the "experience" of Black Friday shopping. Second of all, individuals tend to not spend as much as they would, generally (that's the point of Black Friday-- to get good deals). Third, Black Friday is great for the economy because of the number of people that shop. But, I think having Buy Nothing Day on practically any other day of the year would be great for raising awareness.
Emily T.
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