And this occurred in Oakland where I once lived and inadvertently drove through a sketchy neighborhood and got attacked by a mob of violent drug dealers who tried to drag me out of my car to do who knows what. I sped through a red light to get away - which would have been the better death.

After 3 years in relatively peaceful Europe, I wonder if I'll ever be able to go back and integrate into my original society when I see shit like this. Do you ever wonder the same?



Makes me seriously believe in the flouride conspiracy.

Just saw this on BBC news and just couldn't believe my eyes

What is going on??

i don't understand either!

And it's just getting worse and spreading into what used to be peaceful neighborhoods. I took my husband to California last year for his first time and our first night in my brother's San Francisco flat in an upscale neighborhood was marred by the sound of gunshots. It was his first time ever hearing such a thing.

My first reaction was to say "Welcome to America".

The descent started years ago

black friday (day after thanksgiving) all the stores are open late or early with super deals. people camp out for it. I did it once and will never in my life do it again. not worth it

Wow - impressive - although I have no idea what's going on.

So for all the Swiss on this form (and other non-Americans) - could someone explain what all the Black Friday fuss is about and why people feel the need to lose all their manners and dignity over a few electronic gadgets?

simply the deals. It is the first day of Christmas shopping really.

I don't know when it started but typically Christmas shopping 'officially' starts the day after Thanksgiving...Some sort of marketing tradition that evolved into a 'special' first day of shopping whereby some deals were really discounted for one day - Black Friday (Which is the day after Thanksgiving)

So it wasn't always lunacy, it started out as a few offers but has evolved into this fiasco whereby people would sleep in tents outside stores etc. ahead of the doors opening at midnight

As for why the insanity, part & parcel of a me, me, me 'culture' I suspect with little regard for others...That aspect of the cultural descent has been in freefall for some time

That is, assuming that they had any to lose which, according to musings, may not be the case.

It's an American "tradition" to camp out all night at stores that either open at midnight or very early in the morning the day after Thanksgiving. Most of the violence and madness this year apparently occurred at Walmart stores - a store which already has very low prices. And this kind of store tends to attract lower classes of society anyways so most Americans probably aren't surprised that it's Walmart.

Europe in general is wary of Walmart. The store has a history of destroying all the small businesses in town, underpaying workers, discrimination, etc.

Occupy Movement vs. Black Friday

I am pretty sure I'll never fit back in. I am pretty sure I won't go back.

You guys haven't stood in line at the ski lifts here yet, have you?

The only thing missing would be a shield to go with the Ski sticks (and maybe a little can of pepper spray)

I wonder if the staff panic when they see those mobs about to stampede the shops...

I'll put a commentary "hungry mobs in US" and air this in the Putin's election campaign.

I don't wonder the same at all. I knew I didn't fit in when I left there, and after being gone nine years...I know I'd not integrate into that society again with any kind of happiness or success. So, no wondering, just definite knowledge that it isn't a place for me.

Nope, can't ski. Avoid lines as much as I can, too.