You wouldn't know today as Norman Rockwell Day, since most people refer to it as "Black Friday," which is widely known as they day after Thanksgiving. Also, I made the day up. I find it to be very fitting considering Norman Rockwell's famous painting, "
Thanksgiving Dinner" in conjunction with all of his other paintings, which are strong statements about what it is to live in America. Whether it expresses the injustice of the American Dream, the beauty in simplicity, or strength in humanity, Norman Rockwell's paintings are certainly a perfect representation about the time we live in, and especially now...Black Friday.
This has become a day synonymous to consumerism, "incredible sales!," fighting crowds and waiting in traffic. Oh, and going a little broke, despite these um, amazing deals. Black Friday is a day that wrings out the soul as well as pocketbooks, and I offer you an alternative.
Norman Rockwell Day!
On Norman Rockwell Day, people only spend money on things that are critical to spend on. This includes emergency situations such as trips to the doctor (not Best Buy), or getting toilet paper if you've happened to run out on Thanksgiving, which is a pretty reasonable assumption for the busy households. However, spending is done as sparingly as possible, if at all, and is replaced with finding creative ways to go about your day, such as:
I was interested to learn that this was the image used for The Saturday Evening Post on November 25th, 1933.
The title of the issue was "
The Dangers of Inflation," which is an issue we've yet to find a modern cure for. Inflation is like going to the gym for the economy. It makes it stronger. However, if
everyday were Black Friday, you might think,"Jeez, take it easy...you're starting to look a little scary." But Black Friday would just keep running, lifting weights, swimming and sporting until it eventually couldn't move anymore. What once made it strong was now causing it to weaken.
Norman Rockwell Day can be viewed as a break from the grind, a day of yoga and hot tea. And maybe a movie, popcorn, and some turkey-cranberry sandwiches too. Doesn't sound too bad, right?
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