The History of Black Friday

The Evolution of Black Friday

By Rylan Hellman

Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Originally a day marked by early morning sales and doorbuster deals, it has evolved into a frenzied shopping extravaganza characterized by midnight store openings, online sales, and, unfortunately, instances of chaos and violence. This essay explores the historical roots of Black Friday and examines the stark contrasts between its humble beginnings and the current consumer-driven spectacle.

As the years passed, Black Friday experienced a change fueled by consumer demand and retailer competition. To lure shoppers away from competitors, stores began opening earlier and earlier. The traditional post-midnight openings gave way to early evening hours, and eventually, some retailers began opening on Thanksgiving Day itself. The convenience of online shopping further changed the landscape, with many retailers offering exclusive online deals to attract a broader audience.

The enduring issue is the way people act on Black Friday. Thousands of people act erratically over a couple of deals. It is outrageous, and people are getting hurt and dying over objects just because of the lowered price. The people of the U.S. need to chill out because people are losing lives over a holiday that isn’t even that important. Also, there are so many property damages and crimes committed on that day, that it should just be illegal.