Condemning Black Friday Spending: A Misplaced Concern?

Today, I read an article about a New Jersey couple who were heading to the Black Friday sales. The discussion around their actions sparked a flurry of debate, with some questioning the implications of such a common shopping behavior in terms of international integrity and leadership.

However, equating the purchase of a TV to a loss of our international integrity and leadership role is quite a stretch. If these individuals choose not to buy the TV, what happens? Does it really signal the downfall of the United States as a global leader? It is crucial to distinguish between individual consumer choices and broader national policies. This blog aims to clarify why these concerns may be unwarranted.

Spending in the House

The NJ couple, just like many others, spent quality time at home due to unaffordable travel plans. My wife and I have also spent considerable time at home over the last year, focusing on activities within our house rather than traveling. This focus on local spending has its own merits.

The Rabbit and the TV Commercial

Remember the old TV commercial featuring the rabbit obsession with a kind of children’s cereal? This commercial, although humorous, serves as a reminder that the decision to buy something, whether it be a TV, tires, or electronics, does not directly affect the international standing of a nation. The act of spending money, if done wisely, can contribute to a local economy, generate taxes, and support various public services. These people are not indulging in luxury purchases without thought; they are acting as responsible citizens by contributing to local jobs and the economy.

Context of 9/11 and Encouraging Shoplifting

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, former President George W. Bush encouraged Americans to go shopping. Some viewed this as a call for shoplifting, but the message was more about boosting morale and supporting local businesses. Similarly, in 2021, Joe Biden and his team encouraged shopping again. A lot of people listened and participated, contributing to the economic recovery. The message from these leaders was clear: support your local economy to recover.

Role of Leadership and Foreign Policy

What truly threatens our integrity and leadership role is decades of bad foreign policy, not the occasional purchase of a TV. The United States' role as a leader was threatened when President Trump attempted to abandon democratic allies and the world community, embracing anti-democratic authoritarian despots. However, the idea that a couple considering a small luxury purchase is a sign of the downfall of civilization is much too extreme.

Comparative Historical Analogy

Historically, such concerns were already present. In 1812, Aaron Burr spent 14 shillings and 6 pence, around three days' wages for a carpenter, on a coconut. This purchase seemed frivolous at the time but has become seen as a trifling expenditure by modern standards.

In conclusion, individual consumer choices should not be equated with the broader integrity or leadership role of a nation. While it is important to consider the broader context of foreign policy and national leadership, the occasional purchase of a small luxury item, much like Aaron Burr’s coconut, is a minor expenditure that does not signify the collapse of civilization. The United States remains a strong and influential nation, and the actions of its citizens, whether they are shopping or staying home, are but part of a broader narrative.