Do people in the US realize most holidays are driven by corporate profit?

[Kelly6]

[ohsheeT]

I think corporations have realized the cheaper they make it the faster they can sell it the faster the consumer can spend money and that's what it's all about for them they don't care if it breaks they don't care if it's even made good anymore

How many times have you bought something and it's not what they say that it was or it breaks within the first 5 minutes of First 5 days to the first 5 months

You could actually make anything you wanted Advertise it At least a million people would buy it

You make your million dollars and it's okay because that's what's happening today things are made to be replaced and if you like the way it looks if you like what it did for you one time you'll buy it again

As far as I'm concerned the whole thing is the manipulation to dream people of their money

Kelly I love all of your questions because they are all I wake up call to change our conscience to change our frequency to bigger and better things instead of allowing all this to happen that's why we are all supposed to become one to change things to the better

People hate America because what it represents but we are also the leader of everything first we have to fall before we can make things better

The elite have figured out how to manifest by manipulation

And it's going to take us down so we have to thank them for that because then we the people will rebuild it by doing the same thing they're doing except for it won't be used for evil or manipulation

As soon as America realizes what is happening and we fall the faster we can become one again and become the greatest again but until then we just keep going down down

[Rorroto]

Yes, and nobody cares. We continue them either because they're entertaining, or because we have to due to tradition. Their original meaning doesn't matter at all. On the 4th of July, we don't celebrate the formation of America. We celebrate fireworks. On Valentines day, we have no clue about who or what began that. We celebrate giving little candy hearts to people and flirting. Easter still, sort of, has something to do with Jesus, but mostly it's a celebration or giant, candy-egg laying rabbits and marshmellow chick things that taste terrible at first, but pretty good if you let them dry out for a couple weeks into a hard-candy like configuration. We have three Christmases, actually. It's probably the last holiday we have that still is largely associated with religion, but that's only one of the 3. The other one is a celebration of gathering with relatives, and the third is a celebration of Santa, and that's the way we like it... unless we don't like it. Then we complain a lot but participate anyway and usually like it while participating, even though we complain about it the rest of the year.

[purplepoppy]

The US is a corporation not a country. If you ask people in any other part of the world to point you towards what they have to offer they'll point to art galleries, architecture, natural wonders and scenery etc. But despite also having these things the average American will point to Walmart or Disney. The American soul is based on capitalism.

[Kelly6]

@purplepoppy
Well explained

[loveslongnails]

Perfectly true point.

[Ironco]

And, what's your point?
It works and we are good at it.
Plus we have to police the rest of the free world when they come begging for help...
Sad but true...

[Kelly6]

@Ironco no one begs for help. you guys invade to get free resources.

[loveslongnails]

@Ironco The propaganda is strong with you! That's the bullshit you've been fed all your life, and still believe apparently, in order to justify a 925 Billion Dollar defense budget. You don't even know where that money goes, do you? LOL

[Twodogs0525]

@purplepoppy B. S... I had first hand experience during the World Cup. It was the Europeans that wanted to see a Walmart or Buc-ees or Bass Pro. Or enjoy some Texas BBQ. We're indifferent to things like that. I've seen more emotion from some of them walking into a Bass Pro than I've seen from people seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time!

[loveslongnails]

@Twodogs0525 So what? I mean seriously, big fucking deal. For one thing, Europe has store like LeClerc, Carrefour and Auchun that are bigger and BETTER than super Wal-Marts, because the food isn't poisoned, and the packages are weighed honestly. Germany has "Edeka", with over 6,000 stores, that puts Wal-Mart to shame. All these stores do as much local sourcing as possible too. Any Europeans who were amazed at Wal-Mart are pulling your crank.

Buc-ees is nothing but a convenience store on steroids selling USA trinkets that are all made in China. Europeans were excited to see things they've never seen, and again, so what? You tout those stores as an example of "American Culture" (?) , which is why America is falling apart.

You even examples to PROVE purplepoppy's point! LOL -- Corporations on parade -- all three of them, giant monoliths providing low wage jobs and doing what capitalism and corporations are designed to do; make money for shareholders. Follow the money, dude... it doesn't lead to "we, the people".

[loveslongnails]

Referring to "Edeka" in Germany, it's not the number of stores, it's the quality of their food and goods that puts Wal-Mart or Buc-ees to shame. The same is true of the other chains.

[Jackblue]

I could point out Mount Rushmore, the golden gate bridge, the wines of Northern California which have managed to impress even French judges, our magnificent Universities which people all around the world go to, the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, National Parks, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allen Poe, Ambrose Bierce, New Orleans Jazz and a lot more. Besides why because something is corporate is it automatically bad? As for policing the world, the fact of the matter is after Britain and Spain's former colonies started espousing the rhetoric of the Communism what were we supposed to do, wait until they came to enslave us in collective farms like the did in Russia, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Ethiopia and elsewhere. Believe me had we not you would have wished we had. Every country that went over to communism or socialism strengthened them and weakened the civilized world. Moreover another issue only recently addressed is the fact that Europeans and everyone else mooches off us. That is why healthcare is so expensive in the US. It isn't corporate greed, drug companies go bankrupt all the time, it is the fact that their research costs are dumped on us. Healthcare is the biggest portion of America's budget.

[loveslongnails]

@Jackblue "Healthcare is the biggest portion of America's budget." ---- BULLSHIT...
Social programs are (oops, sounds like socialism! lol) then defense spending, better known as welfare for corporations. Social Security doesn't count towards Health Care spending. It's also questionable to consider programs like AFDC, SNAP, etc, as health care.

But pathetically, the US has the WORST health care outcomes and spends the MOST of any industrialized country on it. Got any idea WHY?

" the fact that Europeans and everyone else mooches off us. That is why healthcare is so expensive in the US." More BULLSHIT. I'll warn you in advance if you try and explain WHY health care is so expensive in the US, because between my SO and myself, we've got over 25 years experience in policy, admin, Medicare, hospital management and state and federal regulatory procedures and actual lawmaking. So you may "think" you understand health care in the US, but you likely don't. I say that because of this next ridiculous statement you made:

[loveslongnails]

@Jackblue " It isn't corporate greed" - Duh. Yeah, it's almost ENTIRELY corporate greed. Do you have a CLUE how much net profit the top 5 insurance companies posted the last decade or so?

" ... drug companies go bankrupt all the time" ... Not drug companies, biotech companies , and for any number of reasons, but that's really irrelevant to this point. "Big Pharma" doesn't go bankrupt. In fact, they often eat up any promising biotech companies that would successfully compete with their market domination.

" it is the fact that their research costs are dumped on us." -- More propaganda that you fell for.
US based pharmaceutical companies often receive significant public funding for research and development, yet they charge high prices for the resulting drugs. This means that Americans are effectively "paying twice" for pharmaceuticals. This situation arises because taxpayer dollars support the initial research, while patients must pay for the medications developed from that research. But you say "no corporate greed"? Right.

Even when they recoup all costs, like for insulin for example, they still charge stupid prices in the USA when people need it to live. Then they lobby Congress to prevent the government from being able to negotiate prices OR cap them. Tell me all about no corporate greed.

And finally, European healthcare has nothing to do with the US system whatsoever.

[Jackblue]

@loveslongnails Enlighten me how exactly are you and your wife experienced, what jobs have you done? Purdue Pharma invented Oxycontin it went bankrupt and disappeared. Mallinckrodt once worth over 14 billion dollars has had to twice file for bankruptcy in recent years. Endo International worth over 17 billion had to file for bankruptcy. And there are many others besides these. Big Pharma is a fairytale.

[Jackblue]

@loveslongnails upload.wikimedia.org/.../...Spending_Breakdown.png

[loveslongnails]

@Jackblue 4 year old chart, and as I said, it doesn't specify what's grouped into health care. I'd have to see the breakdown. Congress is sneaky about where it puts programs to spread costs around, or didn't you know that? Defense is now around 14% and they want more.

[Twodogs0525]

@loveslongnails Are you retarded? She said AMERICANS send them to these stores. I simply pointed out that the Europeans are the ones that ask to see them. I really don't give a fuck what they want to see!

[loveslongnails]

@Twodogs0525 I understand it was Europeans that wanted to see those places. My point is, any smart American would have said " why... there's no point, they're just giant convenience stores filled with shit made in China".

[Twodogs0525]

@loveslongnails "any smart American?" Get over yourself lol It isn't my fucking job to dictate to them what they should or shouldn't want to see. If they ask where the nearest Walmart is, I'll tell them. If they wanna know where the nearest beach is, I'll tell them. It's actually not that complicated.

[Beckybooboo]

I have always realized it's commercialized but that isn't a horrible thing in the US. That reminds people to GIVE! And with all our faults, we are a very charitable nation. Starting on Thanksgiving, right up until New Year's, the US donates billions of dollars towards Christmas charities, some of which I've been a part of for years.

[Beckybooboo]

I should add, that Spain is very charitable during Christmas. Reminding people that it's the "Christmas season", whether through commercials or advertisement isn't a bad thing.

[OlderAndWiser]

Yes, we are not blind, stupid, or shallow. Do you think the same thing doesn't happen in Europe?

[Lliam]

Yeeeupp. Especially Christian holidays of Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. But stuff is marketed for every holiday and there are always advertised sales. And of course there are fireworks on the 4th of July.

Corporations miss no opportunities.

[OneViewpoint]

Well at least some of us realize it. We are the land of extremist Capitalism. I'd go as far as saying all holidays were created to benefit some business sector and convince people to part with their wealth. With Christmas being the holy grail of Christo Fascist Capitalism. Now get out there and spend your way to feeling good for a few days a year. Travel, buy gas, buy airline tickets, rent cars, rent hotel rooms, buy meals, buy turkeys, buy booze, buy fireworks, buy flowers and candy, buy greeting cards, buy jewelry, buy myriad useless gifts no one needs or wants. It's all about the spending and the dopamine hit to get the population to focus on something other than the people fucking them up the ass on a daily basis and their steadily eroding lives.

[Grond21]

The people in the US realized that corporate profit has tried to turn all holidays into a materialistic celebration. But the root of most holidays is not driven corporate profit but is driven by religious convictions. They are just like leeches attaching themselves to those convictions.

[Jersey2]

Um, yeah. And that’s okay.

I was just in Costco and it was loaded with Christmas items, even European Christmas cookies. They already got rid of the Halloween decorations which was a surprise as they usually sell well and I thought it was a bit early to pull them.

I noted it, made genuinely surprised remarks to my wife and yet was happy to see the Christmas trees lit up and the other Christmas decorations.

So the point is, yes we know and yes, they get profits because I as a consumer am willing to pay for what is being sold. I do this because it brings me some level of happiness and satisfaction.

[loveslongnails]

EVERYTHING in the US is driven by corporate profit, not just holidays... everything. The entire mindset of the USA is intentional indoctrination to "work hard; the harder and more you work, the more of a success you will be". That's how they get everyone to be little worker bees and buy into the dream that no longer exists.

Here's a good illustration:

When you ask most Europeans around my age (40) " what do you DO", they will tell you " Oh, I love to hike, spend time with children, travel, go to shows and fairs, etc". That's what they "DO", how they live. If you want to know their profession, or job, you have to specify that in your question.

When you ask an American from the USA the same question, they immediately tell you what they do for work, or how they earn money.

That's not just a cultural difference, it's an entire life style and mindset difference.

[TrueConfection]

I love seeing stores all decorated for the holidays, especially Christmas. Yup, us Americans are very enthusiastic about the holidays. We love watching holiday movies with our loved ones, decorating our yards and homes, feeding each other, enjoying those special songs, and coming together for celebrations. I’m glad the stores participate and we can choose how we spend the money we earn.

[Cice369]

A lot are on odd days that don't line up under any normal circumstances. Middle eastern winters Christmas would be impossible for the world to celebrate since he was born roughly September 11, 3 BC?

Lot of holidays happen on occult ritual days too. Been to a few occult holidays, they're kind of weird. But I keep my mouth shut.

[FreyaRed]

Church assimilated pagan holidays to gain power. Corporations hijacked church holidays for profits.
What is the solution? Going back to paganism

[Jackblue]

Who cares who is driving them, the point is, in the US it is always a holiday season, whereas Europeans seem to have Christmas, New Year's and then mostly a lot of boredom. No wonder naps are such a thing in Spain.

[Anonymous]

July 4th - Firework Industry , Restaurants or Meat Providers

Christmas - Sales begin in like late October, Christmas Music happens in November

Halloween - Sales for Candy Market

Memorial Day - Restaurants or Meat Providers

Thanksgiving - Major Money Maker In Terms of Food

And they obviously don’t help the economy since we have $40 trillion in debt currently.

[Jackblue]

We're in debt because the rest of the world mooches off us.

[lightbulb27]

yes... we really are bad at recognizing the meaning of holidays. Corporations get involved and destroy it. what would hold focus on the meaning?

Look at Christmas, it isn't about a deer with a red nose...

[katiesmuff]

I think it is pretty evident that this is true!

[Screenwriter]

They might be, but we use them to remember those we love too. It's fun.

[Kelly56825]

Holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Black Friday have become huge business opportunities. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, people enjoy the experience and businesses make money. The interesting question is: Are we choosing how to celebrate, or is marketing choosing for us? 😄

[exitseven]

Yes, Christmas was always a big commercial holiday where people would run up their credit cards in a frenzy of spending. Now Halloween, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Groundhog Day have been commercialized.

[SamIam96]

Yeah, we all know that. Christas is the worst but mother's day is a close second.

Thanksgiving seems to be resilient. So far, it's just a fun day.

[Sevenpointfive]

that's why they are in the quarter windows. Q1,2,3 and 4. but 1 per quarter is never enough! it's going to be a nice Thanksgiving but a sad Christmas.

[molonski2]

They are all over the world.. Of course those in the USA appreciate that far more than most in Europe or Asia for that matter.

[MicroJ]

Yes, it's call marketing. There are, except the obvious big holidays, others that were created to sell merchandise. The biggest non holiday that is pushed by retailers is Super Bowl Sunday.

[NaultD]

Bank holidays is a net lose for the economy about $2 billion for that single day. So obviously they to mitigate the loss.

[NathanDavis]

not ours, no...

ours is more on the religious side (Catholic grandmas) and family gathering... lol

[236color]

News flash, the U. S. is driven by corporate profit, period.

[Twodogs0525]

Yeah, I would say most do. Why? Is it different wear you live?

[Gasman2]

most holidays that aren't celebrated by having the day off. LOL.

[spartan55]

Memorial Day? Labor Day? Where are corporations profiting on those?

[Elizabeth113]

Yes it is a lot about the world unfortunately.

[slatyb]

Most? I expect. I mostly ignore them, except that Thanksgiving and Christmas are good days to fly.

[Snakeyes7]

Duh, of course it is a way for businesses to make money. They provide us ways for people to celebrate and we give them money. I don't see anything exploitative about it.

[andreasderjuengere]

They do, I suppose.

But greed capitalism gives them no options.

[Friendlybro79]

Of course we do. Many are working those holidays

[Guyneedsfeedback]

That’s obviously not where most of them started but capitalism is what it is

[jahaims]

Everything in America is driven by corporate profit

[msc545]

Money is the most important thing in the US and everything else just pales in comparative

[robocop666]

I still love Christmas and Easter as I eat garbage

[_Jenny_]

@Kelly6 I didn’t know that

[Ariesman81Nshiiit]

Yes. Fuck Valentine's day.

[AgentG111]

Absolutely!

[scott04sa22]

Like Valentine's Day.

[fishbone77]

lol. You are such a weirdo.

[dislikesmath]

I do

[Markella83]

Shocking

[MrChinaski]

Nonsense.

[rapfan107]

Definitely