I have been into the "Buy Local" movement for the last several years, particularly when it comes to eating out, but not so much when it comes to shopping for clothes, gifts, etc.
So, while I am glad that there seems to be a push to buy local this holiday season (perhaps due to the whole Occupy movement), I do find that many of those who push the buying local movement are kind of assholes.
I saw several things floating around the Internet this last week about people who choose to participate in Black Friday sales are "disgusting" and "product of American consumerism."
Passing judgment on my shopping habits is about as accurate as me calling you all dirty hippies. Did I wake up at midnight and get most of my holiday shopping done? YES. Did I pepper spray anybody? NO. Did I trample anyone? NO. Did I wait three hours politely behind over 100 people to get some fabric cut? YES.
Let's face it. More often than not, buying local is a luxury. We are not in a position financially where we can go to boutiques for clothes, makeup, jewelry. Yes, there are things that can be bought locally that I bought at a department store on Friday. And I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but the choice was either: buy on Black Friday when I can actually afford the product, or not buy it all. Buying locally is never an option on the table, because I can't afford the prices of locally-owned stores.
I'm not hating on the movement. I was appalled last year when the local newspaper's reader's choice for a sandwich shop in Ogden was SUBWAY. (The Italian pick was Olive Garden. I nearly died.) With all the amazing local food in Ogden, those were the people's choices!?
I am all for supporting local businesses. But before you start calling me "disgusting" for trying to provide what I can for the people I like and love, I would think about what sort of judgment you are passing, and if you have the right to do so.
Upside/Downside
4 days ago
1 comments:
So with you on this. Buying local and handmade is great - and when I can afford it I love popping into a few boutiques with nothing in mind just trying to find a few quirky little gifts - but it's hard to find bigger-ticket gifts or items people actually ask for at local stores. And at this point in my life [read: dirt poor, in school, making barely enough to contribute to our house] spending more for the same items just isn't an option. When it comes to food, however, local restaurants- especially those who support local farms, offer way better food in terms of taste and nutrition at the same or lower price as massive chains.
I swear people in Utah have the worst taste when it comes to food - Olive Garden, best Italian? Really??? Might as well take a can of cream of whatever soup with you to wash it down blech.
Post a Comment