Black Friday // To Shop or Not to Shop

I'm probably going to step on more than a few toes with this post but this is my blog and I want to be completely honest and true to myself regardless of what other people think. I know a lot of people are upset about the Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri. I am one of those people, don't get me wrong. I think that if the stories that we hear are correct, Darren Wilson should have been sent to prison. However, was I there at the time of the shooting? No. Do I know any of these people personally? No. That being said, I have no idea what exactly happened besides what I have heard. It is a complete tragedy and I don't think that anyone deserves to get murdered no matter what they've done. I mourn the loss along with the rest of America and prayers definitely go out to the family and friends of a young man who lost his life too soon.

I found a link to a quote from NFL player Benjamin Watson about the case and I completely agree and wish I had such a way with words to express how I feel as well as he did. I encourage everyone to read it by clicking here.

I've heard that we are all supposed to be "boycotting" Black Friday. My aunt told me that if we want to hurt people, we've got to hit them in their pockets. And honestly, I couldn't agree more with that statement. But in order for something like this to work, everyone has to participate. Not just African Americans who are enraged about the case but anyone who is enraged and wants to make a difference. Of course people don't want to miss out on the amazing deals that Black Friday has to offer, so this is never going to work. At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their opinion and entitled to what they would like to participate in. I'm going out today. Not because I disagree with this protest or because I'm ignorant or uninformed about the past, present, and future. But because I have made the conscious decision to do so. Will I buy anything? Probably not much because I am broke.

When there is an organized effort to make a change and protest and boycott I will be all for it, no questions asked. But until then, I'm going to continue to live my life the way that I want to no matter what people have to say about it. I believe that there needs to be change and I believe that it needs to happen soon. But until the current generations become educated about the issues and get organized on their efforts for revolution, we will continue to perpetuate the stereotypes that have been placed upon us. I love to stay informed but I hate to debate about it so I keep my thoughts to myself for the most part. Everyone is going to have their own opinion. I just encourage all of you to get the facts for yourself and make your own judgments without worrying about the influence of others.

So if you're going out today please be safe and happy shopping [or not]!

Smooches,
The College Natural

Scarf: Vinted; Sweater: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: Forever 21; Boots: Ugg