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Forum Post: DARK Black Friday

Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 6, 2011, 12:05 a.m. EST by weenk (16)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

I think all of the Occupy movements should be calling for a General Strike - no shopping on Black Friday. Make Black Friday go Dark.

I've read where people support it and people think it would hurt small business. But I have to say, there's collateral damage everywhere. Big banks employ a lot of folks, they've lost 1 million accounts since Bank Transfer Day started, how many people will be out of a job because of lack of business? Who knows right now but, surely, people will have to be laid off as a result of decreased revenue... we all know the executives won't take a pay cut or skip a bonus to keep employees hired! LOL We supported Bank Transfer Day to send a message. And we knew there would be collateral damage. A "dark" Black Friday may have the same collateral damage, some jobs lost, maybe, but in the grand scheme of things it will send a VERY LOUD message to government, to owners of business, to lenders (how much do people use credit cards on black friday??!!) and to fellow Americans.

I think it's the next big step for Occupy.

20 Comments

20 Comments


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[-] 1 points by kerbauer (74) 13 years ago

Only buy xmas presents at local stores and try to pay cash for all items so the local businesses don't get charged by the credit card companies! Also, the credit card companies will not get any profit if we pay cash for everything.

[-] 1 points by sudoname (1001) from Berkeley, CA 13 years ago

Does this concept have a name? I can't find anything on "dark black friday" or "boycott black friday".

[-] 1 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

It does not have a name, I've sent several emails to several occupy movements asking them to promote but I've had no response. I don't use Facebook (gasp!!) so I'm not the right person to start something there. LOL

[-] 1 points by sudoname (1001) from Berkeley, CA 13 years ago

Maybe it could be called "green friday" or something? I hate to call it "white friday" but maybe that would work too.

[-] 1 points by sudoname (1001) from Berkeley, CA 13 years ago

Alright, well this is a really cool idea. Here's an idea to take an active part in this: http://occupywallst.org/forum/dark-black-friday/#comment-300398

[-] 1 points by Teacher (469) 13 years ago

Support local business and Made In America. Do your shopping on another day. Stop buying cheap plastic crap made by sweatshops overseas.

[-] 1 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

Let's make Black Friday go Dark! Following on the heels of Bank Transfer Day.... IF you HAVE to shop on Black Friday (1) shop small, locally owned stores, farmers markets, galleries, etc. and (2) do not use credit cards unless it's a credit card from a credit union or a small local bank that you transferred your money to.

[-] 1 points by veronafair (7) from West Monroe, LA 13 years ago

If you are worried about small businesses, only SHOP at those businesses on Black Friday, if you feel the need to shop. I think it is a great idea.

[-] 2 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

Thank you veronafair. It could be very similar to the Bank Transfer Day movement where over 1 million Americans, so far, have left their big banks for credit unions or small local banks. So a part of making Black Friday go dark could be to support local businesses only. Would be a great boost to local economy, artists, etc.

[-] 1 points by veronafair (7) from West Monroe, LA 13 years ago

I really think this should be something that gets movement. I helped several people switch banks and saw how much it affected everyone. I think this would be a global message that would really push the bank movement home by hitting where it hurts TWICE in one year.

[-] 1 points by dbho (3) 13 years ago

The Supreme Court's decision to allow corporations to contribute unlimited amounts of money to political campaigns, in effect, allowed big business to "control" our government. "We the people" are powerful. Dark Friday is a way to show corporations/big business they DON'T have control.

[-] 2 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

Agreed!! Just imagine the possibilities: over 1 million Americans left their bank since the start of Bank Transfer Day. We can do even better w/ Black Friday!

[-] 1 points by lisa (425) 13 years ago

While it is thought of as a day to support big businesses (the stores) the darker reality is many people cannot afford to buy things unless it is on some of these big sale days so they shop for their selves, not so much to support the holiday season.

[-] 1 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

Lisa, it's a small sacrifice for American's to make, not to shop on this particular sale date. Let's get together and make a statement. For those in need... there's gotta be a way to get them what the need... big difference between wants and needs. I want a new TV, I do, but I don't need one and therefore I will not shop of Black Friday for a super awesome TV and a super awesome discount. I will make that sacrifice for the Movement and to send a message.

[-] 1 points by lisa (425) 13 years ago

I like to relax after the holiday dinner, I don't want to deal with crowds, parking issues, and the cold wind that doesn't start to go down till after 3 am. Sometimes I will go to the stores just to look to see what they have, but I don't usually buy anything then. (I'd go back when it is less crowded). I'm cutting back this year anyway due to financial constraints.

[-] 1 points by weenk (16) 13 years ago

Let's make Black Friday go Dark!

[-] 0 points by LetsGetTheFactsStraight (30) 13 years ago

Visit LetsGetTheFactsStraight.com