Black Friday is a commercial tradition that has been treasured by Americans for decades. It marks the official start of the holiday shopping season.  For many years, this tradition was considered harmless and joyful, disregarding the few people who may have gotten caught in the fray of battle over a fifty percent discounted television set.  It is a time where people save money and gather to fulfill their tangible desires, needs, and portray their generosity for others in the form of gifts during the holiday season.  

But over time, Black Friday has been twisted by many into a symbol of greed and overconsumption, sparking an important question as the anticipated day quickly approaches this year.  Should Black Friday be a continued celebration this November?  While some claim the event should be called off, the positive economic impact Black Friday stimulates is essential.

Black Friday, although sometimes viewed as a negative event filled with over-consumerism, goes beyond just spending money on silly things that happen to be on sale.  It is a day that introduces many opportunities that outweigh each of the potential negatives.  Most importantly, the tradition opens doors for people who may be less fortunate than the average Black Friday shopper.  For the families that are unable to afford necessities or more expensive items such as electronics, a warm winter wardrobe, or kitchen essentials at their original prices, Black Friday offers a chance to improve their quality of life through a more affordable purchase.  

“Black Friday gives people around the world to get what they need, not just what they want,” said senior Abby Greenblatt.  

The day demonstrates the importance of a day full of inclusion in a world where rising costs often make necessities difficult for many to obtain.  Black Friday serves as a brief but powerful reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience comfort and security without financial strain.  

With the busy, chaotic, and crowded stores, the number of seasonal jobs that become available is extensive.  This is extremely valuable to unemployed individuals or those seeking an increase in their income during the holiday season and should not be taken away from those in need.  

“Every store becomes so busy to the point where we must hire around fifty people for the Black Friday season in order to handle the rush,” said senior Ruby Klein.  

This illustrates that despite the fact that society partially focuses on the represented overconsumerism and excessive greed during this time, opportunities like employment and affordability cannot be replaced.  This makes the tradition of Black Friday crucial and worthy of continued celebration. 

This is a day where although some people exhibit selfishness, the majority use it as a day to shop for something special for their loved ones.  The excitement of being able to afford a gift for everyone you care for, due to discounts provided, is not something anyone deserves to lose.  Black Friday is a tradition that provides everyone the ability to express their love and generosity without the worry of high prices or uncomfortability of overspending or breaking a personal budget.  With this, the event becomes rooted in love, not greed.  Additionally, this is not only a tradition for businesses or individuals, but for family and friend bonding.  

“I view Black Friday as a day to bond with my mom, not just to build my wardrobe, and I think this is an experience everyone deserves to have if they wish to,” said senior Alessia Sibilla.

Black Friday has a significant power to create special memories and build connections, both of which last longer than any purchase.

Although it is true that consumer greed in general may be far too large and overconsumption in this world has grown, this issue should not tear down the positives of Black Friday.  It is important to separate that fact from the reality of why many people participate in such a wonderful event, which focuses on the beauty of giving.  The opportunities that accompany the tradition are worth any unnecessary purchase.  Because unemployment decreases, the economy boosts, and people express their love, the tradition becomes loved and cherished and should continue to be celebrated even under the unfortunate circumstance of an increase in greed.