Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a Triumph of Anti-Spirituality

---------------- Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two major shopping events that have become global phenomena, originating in the United States. Black Friday traditionally follows Thanksgiving Day, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season with significant discounts offered by retailers. Cyber Monday, introduced later, focuses on online shopping deals. While these events are celebrated for their economic impact and consumer benefits, they have also been criticized for fostering materialism, greed, and anti-spiritual values. The term “anti-spirituality” refers to actions or practices that prioritize material wealth, consumerism, or self-interest over spiritual growth, gratitude, or altruistic values. In this context, Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be seen as emblematic of a culture that prioritizes consumption over reflection or community-oriented values. The Commercialization of Gratitude One of the most striking aspects of Black Friday is its timing—immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, family togetherness, and reflection on blessings. However, the transition from Thanksgiving to Black Friday often shifts focus dramatically from thankfulness to consumerism. Critics argue that this juxtaposition undermines the spiritual essence of Thanksgiving. Instead of extending gratitude into action—such as helping others or fostering deeper connections—many people are drawn into a frenzy of shopping for material goods. The emphasis on acquiring possessions can overshadow more meaningful pursuits like spending time with loved ones or engaging in charitable activities. This shift reflects broader societal trends where holidays increasingly become opportunities for commercial exploitation rather than moments for spiritual renewal or community bonding. Materialism and Consumer Culture Black Friday and Cyber Monday epitomize modern consumer culture’s focus on material acquisition as a measure of success or happiness. Retailers use aggressive marketing tactics to create a sense of urgency and scarcity, encouraging consumers to buy more than they need. This phenomenon is often referred to as “planned obsolescence,” where products are designed to have limited lifespans so consumers will replace them frequently. From a spiritual perspective, this relentless pursuit of material goods can lead to feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction. Studies in psychology suggest that excessive consumerism is linked to lower levels of well-being and higher levels of anxiety and depression. This is because material possessions often fail to provide lasting fulfillment compared to experiences or relationships. Furthermore, the environmental impact of mass consumption cannot be ignored. The production and disposal of goods contribute significantly to pollution and climate change—issues that many spiritual traditions urge humanity to address through stewardship and mindfulness. Greed vs Generosity The commercialization surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday often fosters greed rather than generosity. Retailers capitalize on human tendencies toward competition by promoting “doorbuster” deals that encourage people to line up for hours—or even days—to secure discounted items. In extreme cases, this has led to violent altercations among shoppers competing for limited stock. From an ethical standpoint rooted in spirituality, such behavior contradicts principles like compassion, humility, and contentment. Many religious traditions warn against greed as a destructive force that can harm individuals’ moral character while also damaging relationships within communities. For example: Christianity teaches that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), emphasizing contentment over covetousness. Buddhism identifies craving (tanha) as one of the primary causes of suffering. Hinduism advocates detachment from material possessions as part of achieving spiritual liberation (moksha). In contrast to these teachings, Black Friday’s emphasis on acquiring more at any cost reflects an ethos antithetical to spiritual growth. Global Spread Without Cultural Context Originally an American phenomenon tied closely to Thanksgiving weekend, Black Friday has now spread worldwide—even in countries without any cultural connection to Thanksgiving itself. This globalization highlights how consumerism transcends cultural boundaries but often does so at the expense of local traditions or values. For instance: In Europe and Asia, Black Friday promotions have been adopted purely as marketing strategies without any accompanying narrative about gratitude or giving thanks. The focus remains solely on consumption—a stark contrast with traditional fes