Doorbuster Deals? Black Friday has quickly become one of the most popular holidays in America. However, many news sites and broadcastings have highlighted the hazards of Black Friday. Not only is this holiday a very dangerous tradition, but it is overrated. Black Friday sales receive undeserving publicity by stores and shoppers. Most stores seem to use this day of shopping to manipulate the customer while they are in a vulnerable state. Black Friday is nothing but a danger-inducing scam. 

However, each year there are still crowds of people waiting to splurge on underwhelming deals. Sharing the undeserved publicity given to Black Friday is redundant and pointless. Rather than discuss the senseless demeanor of Black Friday, a better examination would be to understand the reason for shoppers’ continual denial. 

According to an article on “Popular Science” by Sara Chodosh, people continue to shop on this day simply because “that’s what they’ve always done.” It’s a tradition most people want to preserve. 

Black Friday, though hectic, is a time for people to come together for a common goal. It doesn’t always exhibit a community event, but the idea of everyone having the same desire makes it feel more unified. Some shoppers will indeed take this holiday to the extreme in that they harm others. However, the majority of people don’t share the same view. As Sara Chodosh said in her article, “Why do we go Black Friday shopping?”, “The morning crowd is there for the community, for the tradition and lots of them are enjoying themselves.” 

Unity is what brings everyone together and is likely the reason this tradition has been around for so long. Shopping, in general, is a fun experience. It evokes joy in most people. For example, children during Christmas are excited to see what new gifts they will receive. This child-like demeanor can reveal itself in adults alike during Black Friday. 

Many students participate in this holiday as well, whether it be with friends or family. “I’ve heard that Bath & Body Works is just the same as their normal [prices], but I don’t care. It’s the experience that counts,” sophomore Hannah Dunn said. 

Not everyone shares the same opinion when shopping. Sophomore Shealyn Haack prioritizes deals over the experience. After all, the sales are what will benefit you most during the Christmas season. 

However, it has its downsides. “It can get crowded and then it’s not fun,” sophomore Peyton Ruthruff said. 

All of the students claimed they are aware Black Friday is overhyped. Still, all of them expressed an interest in participating in the tradition. Both Ruthruff and Haack said they would go with their friends if they could go with anyone. The common theme remains the same: It’s a fun experience and a time to spend with loved ones. 

To people who don’t participate in it, Black Friday seems pointless. Although somewhat true, this “holiday” holds a deeper meaning to most who participate in it. It is a tradition that builds community- even though it’s not always displayed correctly. Ultimately, Black Friday isn’t about the bargains- it’s about spending time with others in continuing a long-time tradition.