Black Friday Capital Gains of Large Corporations vs. Family Relationships Harmony

 The Negative Impact of Overspending

Introduction: The Double-Edged Sword of Black Friday

Black Friday has become a global retail phenomenon, signaling the start of the holiday shopping season. For major corporations, it represents a chance to reap unprecedented capital gains, leveraging strategies that capitalize on consumer behavior to drive record-breaking sales. However, while large corporations celebrate economic victories, the societal and personal costs are often overlooked. This article explores the delicate balance between corporate profits, the financial strain on families, and the erosion of family harmony caused by overspending during Black Friday.

The Rise of Black Friday: A Corporate Windfall

The Economic Evolution of Black Friday

Originating in the United States, Black Friday has evolved into an international retail event. The term “Black Friday” reflects the shift from financial loss (“in the red”) to profitability (“in the black”). Large corporations have turned this day into a cornerstone of their annual revenue.

In 2023 alone, Black Friday saw U.S. online sales soar to $9.12 billion. Strategies like dynamic pricing, aggressive marketing, and limited-time offers drive this surge. These tactics exploit consumer psychology, urging impulsive decisions that boost corporate profits. However, this relentless focus on profits often amplifies societal pressures, leaving families struggling to reconcile financial responsibilities and relational harmony.

The Negative Impact of Overspending on Family Relationships

1. Time Spent on Shopping Erodes Family Bonding

Black Friday prioritizes shopping over family values. Families sacrifice quality time for midnight deals and doorbuster discounts. Thanksgiving, a day traditionally centered on gratitude and togetherness, now shifts its focus to retail preparation. As schedules are disrupted, meaningful family moments are replaced with hours spent in stores or online shopping.

2. Financial Disputes and Rising Tensions

Overspending during Black Friday is a leading cause of family disputes. Partners often clash over budget limits, and children’s expectations, fueled by advertising, further strain household finances. These disagreements create an emotionally charged environment, reducing empathy and eroding family trust.

3. Materialism Over Meaningful Connections

The commercialization of Black Friday fosters a mindset that equates happiness with material possessions. Children learn to associate love and care with the monetary value of gifts, overshadowing deeper values like gratitude, kindness, and togetherness. This shift weakens family relationships, perpetuating a cycle of consumerism.

The Far-Reaching Consequences of Overspending

1. Financial Strain and Debt

Overspending on Black Friday frequently leads to long-term financial burdens. Consumers, enticed by seemingly unmissable deals, rely on credit cards or financing schemes like “buy now, pay later.” While these options offer immediate gratification, they often culminate in mounting debt and financial insecurity. For low-income families, this cycle can mean sacrificing essentials to keep up with societal expectations.

2. Emotional Fallout of Financial Stress

Financial strain from Black Friday overspending spills into emotional well-being. Anxiety, regret, and guilt about poor financial decisions create stress that impacts relationships. Families become less cohesive as individuals struggle with irritability and emotional fatigue, reducing their capacity to support one another.

3. Entrenchment of a Consumerist Culture

The focus on acquiring goods diminishes the value of shared experiences and traditions. The fleeting satisfaction derived from purchases leaves families yearning for more, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction. This mindset undermines the foundations of meaningful, long-term happiness.

Balancing Corporate Gains with Family Well-Being

1. Encouraging Financial Mindfulness

Educating families about mindful spending can counteract the allure of Black Friday. Budgeting tools, financial planning workshops, and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to prioritize needs over impulsive wants. This helps families make informed decisions, reducing unnecessary financial stress.

2. Creating Family-Centered Traditions

Shifting the focus from materialism to connection is essential. Families can establish new traditions, such as engaging in shared activities, volunteering, or focusing on gratitude during the holiday season. Encouraging alternatives like “Giving Tuesday” allows families to prioritize generosity and togetherness.

3. Corporate Responsibility in Marketing Practices

Corporations play a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior. Ethical advertising, transparent pricing, and initiatives that promote sustainability can help mitigate the negative impacts of Black Friday. Retailers can also champion community-driven programs that align profits with social responsibility.

A Faith-Based Perspective on Black Friday and Overspending

1. Stewardship Over Resources

Faith teachings emphasize wise stewardship of resources. Overspending during Black Friday contradicts this principle, diverting finances away from meaningful pursuits. Scriptures such as Proverbs 21:20 remind us of the value of prudence and saving.

2. Contentment as a Virtue

The Bible advocates for contentment over material accumulation. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 underscores the importance of focusing on essential needs, cautioning against the pursuit of wealth that leads to ruin.

3. Prioritizing Relationships Over Possessions

Scripture repeatedly highlights the sanctity of relationships. Ephesians 5:25-33 and Colossians 3:13-14 emphasize love, unity, and forgiveness as the cornerstone of family life-principles often overshadowed by the consumerism of Black Friday.

Conclusion: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

Black Friday highlights a stark contrast between corporate gains and the cost to families. By fostering mindful spending, prioritizing relationships, and embracing values of gratitude and contentment, we can mitigate the negative impacts of consumerism. Corporations and individuals alike have a role to play in restoring the balance between economic growth and personal well-being.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone

Maria Pinto Barbosa PhD / Certified as School Board of Education / PHD-Doctor of Philosophy in Cristian Clinical Counseling- ACCEL-Holistic Life Coach / Founder-Director of ACCEL Educational Leadership/ Specialized on Temperaments – Personalities/ Pastor Christian Minister Clergy / Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral leadership and Certified EETAD Theology