It’s not called Thanksgetting.

Consumerism is killing us. 

Thanksgiving is not about shopping. It’s not even the kick off to the holiday shopping season because we all know that starts in August now. You see Santa ornaments displayed alongside back-to-school pencil cases these days. It’s all rather obscene. And look, just like the article says, if you shop on Thanksgiving Day, you’re part of the problem. 

I’d like to share a first person account of what this shopping frenzy boils down to for the regular working people out there. These are Tamara’s words. She currently works for a brand we all know. 

I’ve been working part-time for a big name retailer for 3 years now and I can tell you working on the holiday is a problem for me and my family. 

In the comments of the article somebody said that not everyone in retail has to work every Thanksgiving every year. There may be some stores who try to do that, but I promise you, they are the exception. The rule at my store is “every hand on deck, no exceptions.” Even if you have to be in at 2 am Friday morning, you WILL have to work. There is nothing for sale on Thanksgiving Day that you couldn’t get on Black Friday, so if you show upon Thanksgiving to shop, you ARE part of the problem. 

The author stated that employees may choose to work retail, but the fact is, for many it is under-employment forced on them by the recession – they work there because they have to, not because they want to. Poor pay, non-existent benefits and, joy of joys, one also gets the privilege of cutting one’s holiday short to allow consumers to buy more unnecessary “stuff.”

I wish one major retailer would have the guts to stand up and say, “We value our customers and employees enough to remain closed on Thanksgiving, allowing them to celebrate the true meaning of this holiday with family and friends. If you agree with this sentiment, please support us by shopping here on Black Friday. Your business will be welcomed.” THAT is a retailer I would support!

There’s something that transcends Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s not about getting a good deal. It’s about giving a great deal — of your time, your money, your talent. Giving Tuesday is the movement we should all rally behind. It’s the perfect antidote for all that ails us.