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'Buy Nothing Day' Protests Planned
Early-bird shoppers might find a few other zombies in their midst this Black Friday - protesters dressed as zombies, that is.
People choose winter coats for themselves donated as part the 'Buy Nothing Day' coat exchange, on 'Black Friday' in Pawtucket, Rhode Island November 28, 2008. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) "Buy Nothing Day" activists plan to don the ghoulish get-ups as they parade past shops along Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The zombies reportedly will gather just after 7 a.m. to greet shoppers hoping to get a jump on the holiday discounts.
Organizers say their aim is simple: to promote a day of non-spending in the face of the traditional holiday shopping splurge.
"It has a very dark edge to it this year," said Kalle Lasn, who co-founded Adbusters Media Foundation, the Canada-based "anti-consumerist" outfit that coordinates "Buy Nothing Day." Protests occurred in 68 countries last year.
The zombie stunt isn't unique to Chicago. The ploy emerged five years ago, its shock value making it a popular form of protest.
"Young people just like to have fun," Lasn said. "It's a good way to get shoppers to say 'What the hell is going on?' And for them perhaps to start questioning what they are doing there."
With or without zombies, retail experts predict holiday sales will fall this year for the first time on record-perhaps by as much as 5 percent-as consumers focus on what they need more than what they want.
Such economic realities could inspire more people to abstain from the mass consumerism. But newbies beware: Achieving a purchase-free day can be surprisingly tough.
"Suppressing the impulse to buy is like giving up smoking. It's an addiction," Lasn said. "A lot of people break down around midafternoon and buy a Mars bar or a coffee. It's a very personal thing."
- Posted in
62 Comments so far
Show All'Buy Nothing Day' gets easier thanks to the Bush Legacy.
President George W. Bush said he hopes to be remembered as a liberator of the Iraqi people.
But with the Number Of Iraqis Slaughtered In US War And Occupation Of Iraq
exceeding 1,284,105 not even the M$M can sell that fable.
When I think of how many people have been maimed and murdered
for the profits of Big Business it is easy to 'Buy Nothing' at all.
"But with the Number Of Iraqis Slaughtered In US War And Occupation Of Iraq
exceeding 1,284,105 "
Did you even *think* about questioning the Lancet study results or did your goulish wishful thinking win out over critical thinking?
I wonder, do you question the reported 6 million Holocaust deaths or the 100,000 deaths in Kosovo that Clinton used to justify bombing of Serbia. Or do you just blindly accept them?
Actually the number of victims in the Holocaust was above 11 million. The 6 million figure was Jewish deaths. There is no doubt at all of the number of people that died in the concentration camps.
There are always DOUBTS as to the number killed. There very strong evidence that the numbers are accurate.
Numbers of such a scale can rarely be a "sure thing".
I would point out that there very good evidence that more Vietnamese were killed in that war then is commonly accepted.
How you define what is a doubt and what is a sure thing tells one more about the person then it does about the numbers themselves.
pk
"How you define what is a doubt and what is a sure thing tells one more about the person then it does about the numbers themselves."
Actually, in a scientific study "doubt" is very specifically defined. The Lancet study was supposed to be done in accordance with a specific methodology. OTOH, I have heard little of any such studies for WWII or Vietnam. What "tells us about the person" is their tendency to cite unknown numbers as fact.
sources please.
"sources please."
Are we being dense on purpose today?
"Actually, in a scientific study "doubt" is very specifically defined."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probability
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confidence_interval
"The Lancet study was supposed to be done in accordance with a specific methodology."
Erm, *Lancet* tells us the methodology right in the survey:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(06)69491-9/fulltext
"OTOH, I have heard little of any such studies for WWII or Vietnam."
My own testimony, source is self defined.
"What "tells us about the person" is their tendency to cite unknown numbers as fact."
Obviously my opinion, no sources required.
"I wonder, do you question the reported 6 million Holocaust deaths or the 100,000 deaths in Kosovo that Clinton used to justify bombing of Serbia. "
I really don't know how they came up with those numbers. OTOH, there are very specific issues with the Lancet study in the public discussion, that I don't think are resolved in their favor.
Again,
The solution is gonna be whatever happens after the system totally fails which is coming during Obama's first term.
Lots of good Ideas are posted on CD. Keep them in mind.
The system of unpayable debt being added to more debt 7 trillion at a stroke is going to fail because of mathematics.
The exponential rise of debt has hit the wall going straight up as the math tells us...no conspiracy here just plain facts.
We can call the solution new regulated Capitalism, or new mixed system or socialism... but it won't matter what we call it and the names we chose will only keep the dividers happy since socialism is a demonized word just as capitalism has become more and more.
But after the total collapse becomes self evident in the pain and misery and chaos and continued bailouts of the corrupt pyramid scheme of our monetary system, I suggest we start first with the scraping of the FED and renounce the new Debts that they are piling on, Declare Bankruptcy and encourage nations to take ownership of their own money.
After that we can argue over what we will call it.
Cheers...
Celebrate the "Holiday Shopping Season" with Reverend Billy and his Church of Stop Shopping" instead. (great interview at Democracy Now, or Google it)
Hallelujah!
We need Rev. Billy more than ever right now.
I read the story about New York "Black Friday" shoppers - desperate for bargains on luxury items like big-screen TV's - who broke down the doors of a local Walmart, trampled an employee, knocked over other employees running to help him, walked over his body, and then began shopping, refusing to leave when the manager tried to close the store because they had been lining up outside since the previous day. They even screamed at the manager for asking them to leave. The employee later died of his injuries. Do you believe this horror? What monsters we have become! This just breaks my heart! Stop this madness now!
Yes, if that incident isn't a pathetic statement on what American culture has become, I don't know what is.
The economic situation will create lots of converts to the Church Of Not Shopping. For those of us who are still employed, let's limit Christmas this year to presents for children. And spend money we save on holiday gifts for children of others or on food banks or on progressive organizations that will help to achieve large scale re-distribution of wealth to those who need it.
Joe
Excellent ideas.
Here's an idea: How about a "Buying nothing that we don't really, really need Year".
I've been seriously contemplating immigrating to my parents' ancestral land (Americans consider it that place where "illegals" come from). I have lost many of my roots, including the language. But the challenge alone, of learning to live within my needs, is becoming a dream, a goal, of mine. Anyone care to join me?
I agree. Question - "do I really need this?" Both philosophically and practically, individually and socially, those who can afford to spend in excess should limit themselves and use the savings to give more help to others. Or save for retirement or a rainy day. We have to behave like sober adults in our spending.
Your word "savings" reminded me of something else. When I stopped spending, I actually started having the bank transfer a certain amount of money from checking to savings every month, and was amazed at how fast it added up. I've been telling my family members who can't save because of all the shopping, to try the savings thing. Watching your dollars multiply can be every bit as addictive as spending them is.
wilmoor:are you sure they can't save because they are shopping? And I promise not to think of that man from "The Christmas Carol". I'm glad your life is pleasant.
If you're speaking of Mexico, count me in. I don't speak Spanish, but I'm a quick learner, plus my SS check will go a lot further. My regular email address is
jerryc-1939@msn.com
Is that joining you in the immigration to your parents' ancestral land, or just learning to live within your needs? Just kidding.
I haven't been shopping for anything but food since 2004. For two years before that, everytime I went shopping I'd find things I wanted, and the question would pop into my head, "Do you really need that?" Of course the answer was always "No." So I'd put whatever it was back on the rack/shelf, and forget about it.
It takes that one step at a time thing. Whatever it is that you think you just have to have, stop and think about what it is, do you already one? or a dozen? Then ask the big question - "Do I REALLY need it?" Of course the answer is most often NO. It gets easier each time you do it. I thought it was so funny when I reached the point where I was walking away from things I could have used - but didn't really need, just really, really wanted.
I even gave up my favorite past-time of yard sales by telling myself I had enough of my own junk.
Good luck with your goal dream!
wilmoor: giving up yard sales, (like thrift shops):that is real sacrifice. On the lighter side: I am reminded of "Borat" when Sasha Baron Cohen sees his first yard sale and stops and totally misreads what is there. Funny.
Sounds like a practical plan. As the old saying goes, "Waste not, want not". I'm with you.
Sounds like a practical plan. As the old saying goes, "Waste not, want not". I'm with you.
"I've been seriously contemplating immigrating to my parents' ancestral land (Americans consider it that place where "illegals" come from)"
No thanks, I love America still, but I wish you joy and good luck if you do go. Though I wish you'd reconsider and stay here. We need all the good folks we can get. "learning to live within my needs, is becoming a dream, a goal, of mine" This you can do anywhere.
A number of Americans have retired to Latin America but I don't think there are that many that have immigrated there. Its not that easy to immigrate to most of those countries.
Better yet, instead of buying gifts, give experiences. Take the family to a peaceful protest. Visit a homeless shelter, food bank or soup kitchen. Talk around the dinner table about politics and the economy and decide what to do about it as a family. Help someone or someones out who is/are less fortunate, because soon that will include more and more people.
davidpeace:I think your comment gives me pleasure as a reader and participant. Best comment on CD that I've seen all day. Maybe longer. Thank you. The list could be added to:like making sure homebound neighbor(s) have food, fuel, errands done for them, are ok, some conversation, mail picked up, etc etc
This is indeed the best suggestion I have seen in years for Holiday gifting!
How many ways could we enrich our lives by actually engaging in such actions together with loved ones!? Perhaps as people read this post they will have more suggestions like these...
A list that really could make a difference in our own lives, our family lives, and in the lives of others!
GREAT POST!
Live Simply So That Others May Simply Live
I have a very dear friend in Omaha who is doing just what the writer suggested,as am I. Wonder why none of the Zombies were on MSM?
I'm off today, stayed home, and bought not a damn thing.
I think this is great! I wish this was nationwide. Ban the Blitz shopping craze. There is so much focus on consumerism and coming right after the day when Americans stuff themselves with food. I find it all very disgusting when there are so any poor without anything. No food, no clothes on their backs, not to mention money for toys, or DVDs or the latest gadgets.
We should take a look at what is really important.
"Live simply so that others may simply live".
What a great idea, a Protest Day which results in people buying nothing. People should protest when their masters get out of line. It is their democratic right. I hope it goes well.
But where is the Protest Day about the missiles that America is putting around Russia? Where is the Protest Day about the new arms race which such a move is generating, the planned upgrading of nuclear weaponry? Does being burned alive in a Nuclear Firestorm appeal to you?
DO HUMANS HAVE A DEATH WISH? It's my most recent post. It's for thinking people!
www.dangerouscreation.com
Buying a Mars bar is always some sort of breakdown.
Time to refuse all credit-refuse any association with the federal reserve,CFR, IMF, UN, FRB. Refuse all credit & as the media is so CONtrolled-STOP buying any newspapers or products advertised on tv. wHY ARE ALL THOSE 33 DUAL ISRAELI TERRISTS in the Executive Branch & why is Obumas cabinet 90% CFR. Spitzer was whacked cause the Ins Co owners were CFR. We no longer have a gov't, there is the CFR party. Why is $90 Billion $$$ given to isreal, why is AMDOCS spying on every phone in America.The IRS isn't even a part of the US gov't, tis nothing but a collection agent for the federal reserve bank
I buy very little except food--oops, just remembered spending three thou on this imac so that I don't have to worry about window messages telling me what I can't do. Oh well----.
GM: like they say, "touche".
we can change the world by changing our consumption patterns, on a daily basis.
Jakenewton:
Of course we should be cynical of Iraqi casualty estimates from The Lancet.It's so much more logical to believe shrub's administration-just as it was valid to believe "Poppy's" regime re the number of homeless. Of course insructing the census takers to avoid locations where homeless were most likely to be was irrelevant,right?
Prefer to believe the congenital liars that dominate this country-until you're the next one considered superfluous.
"Of course we should be cynical of Iraqi casualty estimates from The Lancet."
Correct, as we should be skeptical of *any* study or estimate of such a thing.
"It's so much more logical to believe shrub's administration"
You seem unaware that the administration has no estimation of their own, and simply defers to others. Those too should be treated with skepticism.
The problem here is that too many accept the Lancet numbers as fact and without question, seemingly (to me) because they "like" the greater magnitude suggested, even though there a any number of problems with that study..
"Of course insructing the census takers to avoid locations where homeless were most likely to be was irrelevant,right?"
Evidence please.
Even though it's a habit, hard to break, here's how to do it. Okay, you are thinking about that Mars bar and coffee. Don't get your purse and car keys out yet. Wait 15 minutes, wash a window or 2. Still thinking about it, set your timer another 15 minutes, clean out one cluttered drawer, and so on and so on. But don't go on the computer too soon. There is too much stuff for sale on the computer. Hide your credit cards from yourself or put them in your bank deposit box. That should take care of the online buying spree.
I agree with Kalle and the concept (and action!) of Buy Nothing Day, and have been an Adbusters "consumer" (oh, the irony) for many years. I completely agree with boycotting corporate 'big-box stores' (on more than one day a year), but in my opinion, BND runs into practical problems when locally owned small businesses are taken into account (in our old economy). So, lets say next year BND goes viral (stealing some corporate lingo). Nobody spends a dime. I would hate for the small up-start coffee shop in my neighborhood to have no business that day, or the hardware store, or the dog-groomer, or the.... you get my drift. Anyone who has run a small business knows how tight a buget usually is, and even one day of no revenue makes a big difference in the 'bottom line' (more lingo) of the family running said business. So until the new economy takes shape to replace the old (trade and barter, anyone?), I bought my coffee and pastry then went on a 60-mile bike ride (triple-shot!!). And yes, I know I could have made them at home.
I just inadvertently supported the protest. I bought absolutely nothing today. I even put money in the bank.
Does it count if you're unemployed and broke? If so, I did my part.
What are you guys talking about her?
You can't buy nothing. Just by participating in this discussion, you are buying access to the internet!
Touche.
Pete's Inc:
In re: "...Spitzer was whacked..."
FYI: the term whacked aka wacked, refers to the act of assassinating a specified target (ex: JFK wacked by a hit team in Dallas). Since Elliot Spitzer is still among the living, he certainly wasn't "whacked" as you put it!
Buy nothing - and destroy the US economy.
Great, just what we need right now.
Apart from the million plus Iraqis siaughtered in Americas good name. Over five million have been displaced and lost their homes. Strangers in their own country and in other surrounding countries. As for a happy christmas, tell that to the tens of thousands of dead and persecuted christians who used to live openly and worship freely in that land under the so called bestial Saddam Hussein. To all those Americans who will still sit down and enjoy their 'thanks giving' I would remind them that millions on this earth will not enjoy such comfort and full bellys due to the hegemony of the USA. I doubt if they will be giving thanks. Only perhaps that the evil of America will overlook them for once and give them peace. I'm no christian but I wish those unfortunates that their own dreams of a quiet and war free family life will come true. If anyone who manages to read this stops to consider the plight of others in this world, rather than if they can afford to buy more endless rubbish at least it will acheive something. However I doubt it.
Don't ya love the Scrooge movie? Merchants love it too. Oh the guilt! Many identify with the greedy Ebeneezer, rather than the family of Tiny Tim (which is probably closer to where they are). People like Scrooge who hold all $$$ just laugh at the rest of us as we march into the stores like cattle. Heck, we are so focused on getting the best deal(s), that we don't even know we're trampling our fallen brethren to death. Following mob rule makes you mob fool.