November 27th • Consumerism & Marketing

Black Friday

Black Friday is the informal name for the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States, which has since become a global shopping phenomenon. Today, we debate the psychological pressure of sales, the ethics of fast fashion and mass consumption, and the impact of shopping culture on our personal finances and the environment. Is Black Friday a great opportunity for a bargain, or a symbol of everything wrong with modern society?

A crowded shopping mall with 'SALE' signs everywhere

Speaking Discussion

Have you ever bought something on Black Friday that you later regretted? Why do we feel such pressure to buy things when they are on sale?
In your opinion, what is the connection between mass consumerism and the environmental challenges we face today?
How much of an impact does marketing and advertising have on your perception of needs versus wants?
Do you think that retailers intentionally manipulate our emotions during major sales events like Black Friday? How?
Should there be more regulation on fast fashion brands that produce large amounts of low-quality, inexpensive clothing?
What is the most effective way to resist the urge to splurge during the holiday shopping season?

Activity 1: The conscious consumer Guide

The Task: You are a Personal Finance Expert. You need to create a conscious consumer guide to help people navigate the holiday sales.

What are the three most important rules for staying within a budget and buying only what you need?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

"The biggest trap for shoppers is..."
"I think consumer culture is..."
"In my opinion, the ethics of fast fashion are..."

Key Vocabulary

Consumerism (N) The protection or promotion of the interests of consumers; the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.
Phenomenon (N) A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
Manipulation (N) The action of manipulating someone in a clever or unscrupulous way.
Ethics (N) Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.
Budget (N/V) An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time; to provide or allow a particular amount of money in a budget.

Fluency Catalyst

The "Money" Phrases: When talking about spending, use: "To break the bank," or "To get your money's worth."

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