Black Friday vs Cyber Monday

Is anyone else terrified of the Black Friday festivities that are about to commence? I have heard that some people turn selfish and greedy during the shopping process. I decided to attend Black Friday a few years ago because there was a bargain I just HAD TO HAVE.  Even though I was well aware that it is known as the busiest shopping day of the year.  I was faced with elbow to elbow crowds in every store and mall I dared to venture in.   I saw people pushing, shoving, even grabbing... it was horrible.

I promised myself I will never brave Black Friday shopping again. This year the stores will be open for early savings on Thanksgiving as well.  I think that is going too far.  It is mostly the large chains of retail stores that have decided to open, like Walmart, Target etc.  They will reap the rewards by getting some extra revenue they were not able to collect in prior years.  The employees will really suffer, instead of enjoying a day off with their families they most likely are being forced to work.  Cyber Monday offers a safer, more civil shopping experience that can be enjoyed from home, local coffee shop, or any other place with internet. Today’s infographic offers some interesting stories and information about Cyber Monday and Black Friday. Good luck to all you brave shoppers out there, get those deals and stay strong! [via]

reprinted in parts from dailyinfographic.com

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Times Have Changed

Times have changed and we have learned a lot over the past several decades (we hope).  Here is a look back at some of the print advertisements were published in the past.

"Gee, Dad, you always get the best of everything…even Marlboro" is just one of the many slogans the cigarette brand has used over the years - this one from the 1950's. My favorite, "Before you scold me, Mom…maybe you’d better light up a Marlboro".  Hopefully again we are a little wiser now.. Please don't smoke but especially around children.  Especially in the car or house. More slogans like this can be found here.

Now hopefully parents try to not to give soda to a baby... but apparently this is something most parents have learned fairly recently!  This advertisement was sponsored by "The Soda Pop Board of America" - this actually was a reproduction created in 2002 by RJ White as a joke.

This also is from the 1950's - a time where advertising and comments were very sexist.  It was believed a woman's place was in the kitchen.  Here is a food blog that talks more about this ad and more.

This ad is for a Kenwood Chef Mixer, but in the larger print at the top the sexist ad really jumps out at you.  The rest of the ad which is not shown here is equally amusing, it can be found here.

The first advertisment in the USA was placed in 1789 and was a tobacco ad in a newspaper.  Today, we have learned about the dangers and long term affects of cigarette smoking and in 1997 censorship of these types of advertising began with banning outdoor, billboard, public transportation and advertising to youth.  In 2010 the Tobacco Control Act was signed placing even more restrictions. More on tobacco advertising can be found here.

You don't find ads portraying 'betty homemaker' anymore either.  Now you see working women, and ways to improve your life, more equality among gender and roles displayed through advertising.  Here is a blog on this topic I enjoyed. 

and lastly.. I will leave you with this one...in honor of domestic violence awareness month:

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