Just curious... (question from a non-American!)

[Rath Darkblade]

The post below (about Thanksgiving) reminded of something that I've recently been curious about. I understand that the day following Thanksgiving is called Black Friday, traditionally the opening day of the Christmas sales. Every year, I see news reports of people being killed during Black Friday shopping; wiki reports that this day "is known for attracting aggressive crowds, with annual reports of assaults, shootings, and throngs of people trampling on other shoppers in an attempt to get the best deal on a product before supplies run out."

So I'm just curious... why? Why in the name of sanity would people risk their lives or well-being for a product? Have we become so commercial now that people would start a fight (or even pull out guns or knives?!) over something as mundane as a box of corn flakes or a six-pack of beer?

Just wondering...

[DeadPoolX]

I seem to recall this question being asked before on SHP. I don't know where, exactly, but it seems very familiar.

The thing about Black Friday is it's hyped to the point of absurdity. Most people don't beat or kill one another for items.

For a detailed look into Black Friday, please read "5 Black Friday Myths the Media Wants You to Believe" on Cracked.com.

That article can answer your questions better than I can (especially since it's almost 4 AM here), plus it has links and references to back up its points.

[Jules]

Well, it's more for the cheap electronics and toys. I doubt people are going after the beer or cereal. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and when they can save a few dollars, they'll do it. When a hurricane blows through and knocks the electricity out, there are long lines at the gas station and sometimes a fight breaks out. Animal instinct I guess. Every man for himself.

[Maxor127]

If General Mills cereal released 80s version of Count Chocula before they changed the taste, I'd fight off the non-existent hordes for it.