Friday, November 25, 2011

African-American Friday

Today is what used to be called "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving, and one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

The origin of the term is in dispute. It's commonly thought of as the day that helps retailers go "in the black" (turn a profit) because of the large volume of sales. Early references, however, indicate that the term was coined by transit drivers to refer to troublesome traffic because of the large amount of shoppers' traffic.

Whatever the origin, it's become a good thing, with the sales/profit aspect being most common in people's thoughts.

But, can we still call it "Black Friday?" Isn't that racist?

You see, sales and profit are hallmarks of capitalism. And capitalism is supported by conservatives -- even by conservatives that don't know they're conservative. And, since capitalism is tied to conservatives, it must be racist. So, "Black Friday" is racist.

How do we fix it?

Easy. Call it "African-American Friday."

I know. You're saying, "That's stupid." And, you'd be right. But it's no more stupid than calling blacks "African-American." For example, what about Naomi Campbell? Or Lennox Lewis? Or Robin Szolkowy? You can't call them "African-American." Unless you're that CNN anchor who I heard call a Black Briton an "African-American Briton" before stammering slightly and continuing on with the story.

Okay, okay, enough with the logic. On with the show.

Today is "African-American Friday." Grab your Led Zeppelin IV, throw it in your car stereo, crank up "African-American Dog" and go shopping. You may have someone on your Christmas list who wants a new "African-American & Decker" power tool, so be sure to stop by the hardware store. And, don't forget college football this weekend. It's rivalry week, and one of the games in the SEC will be the Bulldogs from Mississippi State hosting the Ole Miss "African-American Bears."

But, I'm sure there are many other ways to celebrate "African-American Friday." Find an appropriate way.

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