Forum Post: Resist Christmas Inc.
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 8, 2011, 7:01 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 ... Every dollar that does not go their way is a small victory... 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 OWS 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.
Make this Christmas about showing how grateful you are to those around you, not how much you spend on them
Exactly, I am not promoting this idea as a consumer event ... really, I see it as more of an experience. Walking down Main Street with loved ones, truly getting into the spirit and avoiding the aggravations that accompany Christmas when it is perceived to be a consumer event. Gifts are certainly not bad, especially when they have been crafted with love and care by local artisans or small businesses and sold at shops that are struggling to exist next to Wal Mart, amazon.com, Target, et al.
I agree. I sure do miss Main Street.