Forum Post: Christmas Inc.
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 8, 2011, 4:41 p.m. EST by nichole
(525)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I posted this idea on my local board and it has generated some interest. Bethlehem, PA is a Christmas destination for many and I proposed this idea as a way for us to question the consumer spectacle that Christmas has become. I believe this could be an effective means for us to undermine corporate hegemony ... please share with your local groups and maybe start to consider more ways we could educate consumers to shop responsibly.
Post:
Bethlehem officials should welcome our presence, especially during Christmas, and here is why ... What are we fighting? Wall Street. And what does Wall Street oppose? Main Street. Let's fight Christmas Inc.! We could provide passers-by with information about the ill-effects of patronizing corporate entities while touting destinations such as Bethlehem, Doylestown and New Hope ... to name a few. The same Bethlehem officials we are currently battling should welcome a message that encourages people to stop shopping online, stop visiting malls, and return to charming Main Streets that feature unique shops and represent the true spirit of the holiday season.
This sounds a lot like when my father says"It was so much better in the old days"
Has nothing to do with the old days, I am only asking people to consider the impact of their buying habits, stop sending money to publicly-traded corporations that don't reinvest in communities, and stimulate their local economies. And maybe the good "old days" were better in that people interacted and felt a sense of community during the holidays rather than becoming aggravated mall shoppers or isolated Internet clickers.
You're implying that publicly traded companies don't reinvest in communities. That's an unfound statement. Should people stop buying at Target? It employs people in the community. It pays property tax. That is investing in a community. I think you are confusing "It's A Wonderful Life" with the realities of a modern world. My father owned a store my whole life in our town, since he retired, my small town has stores, but not one local person owns a store now.