Written by Billy and Daria, students at Roosevelt University
The frenzied shopping season is almost upon us. We're sure
you’ve seen commercials for can’t-miss sales and the news stories about big
department stores that will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day for the first
time.
Overflow's
next movie screening, the
documentary
What Would Jesus Buy?, takes on this subject with full vigor.
Released in 2007, the movie showcases “Reverend Billy” as he
follows holiday shoppers from New York City to Disney World. One of the main
messages of the movie is the irony of how we celebrate Thanksgiving, which is
supposed to be a time to give thanks for our blessings, followed by Black
Friday, a day when people nearly trample each other trying to get the best
deals at big department stores.
We encourage you to ponder some questions surrounding
this American shopping phenomenon…
Are the few dollars saved worth the insane crowds and your
shattered nerves?
Where do
the dollars that you spend actually go?
Are your dollars working to make the world a better place?
Do you value humanitarianism over materialism?
Large corporations exert great buying power over suppliers,
forcing them to sell wholesale goods at extremely low prices so the
corporations can achieve greater profits.
Suppliers across the globe must sell their goods at prices that keep
their workforce at living standards below the poverty level, offering no chance
for improvement. The profits realized by
large corporations are then put into the pockets of stockholders and company
executives. This vicious cycle only benefits corporations while the rest of us
are left with empty wallets.
In an effort to begin a discussion on the value of spending
your hard earned dollars at places that will benefit you, benefit your
community, and benefit the world at large, we'd encourage you to attend the screening of What Would Jesus Buy? After the movie, we’ll have a discussion in which we address the questions above and more!
