Black Friday

I’m usually left alone with my thoughts as I drive to work in the mornings. It’s still relatively early so traffic is scarce and the journey is fraught with all the danger driving in a straight line can muster; which is to say not much. Today, however, I had some accompaniment as I meandered into town. My normally peaceful jaunt was interrupted by a massive mobilized entourage of vehicles streaming toward Kalispell in search of the perfect bargain. Black Friday.


This term was coined in Philadelphia in 1966 but didn’t really gain steam as a national (anti)phenomenon until 1975. The origins for the name of this day are debated. One theory addresses the commercial aspect of this phrase and the idea that most companies make a significant profit (in the black) on this sacred day of capitalistic consumerism. Another suggestion is that the streets and roads are so crowded that everything morphs into a huge shadow. I always thought Black Friday should simply be a tribute to Billy Dee Williams, but I seem to be alone on this.

Whatever the true genesis for Black Friday, it typically elicits polarizing responses: some people avoid it like the (black) plague, while others set their alarm clocks for the Monday before everything begins so they can be the first in line to pacify their growing wish lists. I even heard that some organizations and businesses are opening their doors at 4am to provide child care so parents can drop of the kiddies and enter, once again, into the fray. My initial thought was… who does this? Who drops off their own children in the middle of the night so they can join the parking lot mosh pits of the Valley’s numerous stores?

I’ll tell you who.

Not everyone is blessed to have grandparents or a caring spouse to watch their kids. Sometimes the only option for a single parent is to rely on these types of programs because this is, literally, one of the only times they can find a babysitter. Fighting the crowds and elbowing past the ill-fated store greeters is a challenge for some. There is an adrenaline rush and, while the reduced prices are nice, there will be plenty of days left to shop on days without specific colors attached to them. Other people venture out because this is the only time they can procure an item that usually would be way out of their price range. They bend over backwards and jump through whatever hoops are present just to feel normal. It’s both sad and scary that this is becoming the new normal.

My hat is off to all of you who are braving the roads, weather, and other shoppers. While you’re out there, though, remember that some people need this day much more than others.