Every year after Thanksgiving, millions of Americans barge into stores to grab the best deals. Sometimes, the chaos turns dangerous. Since the 1980s, Black Friday has been known not only for its discounts but also for the violence. 

According to the National Retail Federation, more than 180 million Americans shopped during Black Friday weekend in 2023, both in-person and online. 

Rabiya Kassam-Clay says, “I feel the chance people get, like, violent or pushy.”

Unfortunately, those fears have been proven true in the past. 

In 2008, a Walmart employee in New York was trampled to death when shoppers broke through the doors before the store opened. Similar altercations have been reported across the country. 

Kassam-Clay believes this disaster happens because of capitalism. 

However, the issue goes deeper than danger and money. It even affects family traditions. 

Erika Allen says, “I think the day after Thanksgiving, when a lot of people have off work, it’s more fun maybe to do family stuff, get your Christmas decorations out or something like that.” 

Over the years, Black Friday violence has decreased due to the rise of online shopping.

“They could make sales last over a couple days. They could have the same sales online,” says Allen 

Some call Black Friday the darkest shopping day in history! 

39% of shoppers say they do most of their gift and holiday shopping during big sales days like Black Friday. 

On the other hand, Azalyah Felix-Hagans has a different opinion. 

“Yes, I think it’s worth the risk, because you can get everything for cheap.” Says Felix-Hagans 

Felix-Hagans believes people should shop during Black Friday, while she also knows the violence that comes with the event. 

“Yeah, I mean, they be fighting over these prices, man. $3 off, bro. I saw a lady have a black eye, a runny nose because of $3 off of some dog food.” Says Felix-Hagans 

Crime rates increase on Black Friday. Theft rates increase by 2%, more than on any other day of the year.

“I do not think it’s worth the risk. Sometimes I feel guilty that I do the sales online, but they’re too good sometimes to pass up.” Says Kassam-Clay