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November 11 • Shopping & Culture

Singles' Day (China)

Originally started in the 1990s by university students in China as a way to celebrate their singleness, 11/11 (Singles' Day) was transformed by Alibaba into the largest online shopping day in the world. It now generates more money than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Today we're debating love vs. luxury—is buying yourself a gift the best way to celebrate being single, or is this just consumerism gone mad?

Singles

Speaking Discussion

  • Is singles Day' a positive celebration of independence or a sad marketing gimmick?
  • Why is the number 1 (11/11) used to represent being single?
  • Do you spend more money when you are happy or when you are feeling lonely?
  • What is the one thing you would buy for yourself today if money was no object?
  • Is our society becoming too materialistic, focusing on objects instead of people?

Activity 1: The Shopping Debate

You are a Marketing Manager. Explain why being single is the perfect excuse to buy an expensive watch.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify your answer in 30 seconds:

  • "Being single is a luxury, not a problem."
  • "Shopping is the best therapy."
  • "Alibaba is the most powerful company in the world."