https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ujYX8Uxcjb7UunGUFtrHS2NJ9Pdwlr_l
I hope this link works! If not, it is under the video. I think commenting on two or more classmates arguments might be good. Especially if they are arguing opposite of what you are.
Based on the non-stop, urgent, selfish nature society has fallen in to, a spend nothing day would prove itself an excellent opportunity to help people appreciate the things they have already, change the perspective regarding the necessity often placed on getting exactly what one wants, and providing the opportunity for time well spent outside of the consumer world.
ReplyDeleteAppreciation counter:
It takes more than a day to realize the gravity of what having no businesses would do.
Necessity of getting what you want counter:
Sometimes people really do need things right then and there, like medicine.
Spending time doing other things counter:
People wouldn’t enjoy outside time if they felt stressed about not having something they need, or felt this event was taking a toll on their business and livelihood.
That was a really interesting point you made about some serious necessities being bought such as medicine. Even as regular business carries on, companies but parts and products from other companies in order to continue their own production. It was also an interesting point about how it might be counterintuitive due to people feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.
DeleteYour thesis is well written but respectfully I disagree. People can't even listen to the government to stay in their houses during this quarantine, so it will take a lot more to teach Americans how to appreciate the little things.
DeleteA “Buy Nothing Day,” would be more risk than reward due to the fact that small business often rely on day-to-day business to stay afloat, much like low income families where one day could cause instability, but not only this, one day could not be enough to inspire mass change and appreciation of small businesses and material items.
ReplyDeleteCounter of small business reliance:
One day may not harm all small businesses especially if they are successful or necessary
Counter of low-income family difficulty:
Similar to small business, just how much could one day affect a family, they could be getting paid still
Counter of mass appreciation:
It could cause some people to appreciate what they have/ businesses more, so at least one person could be impacted
I agree with your thesis. Your points were clear and I think that you explained them very well.
DeletePersonally, I was for an Annual Buy Nothing Day, but I certainly think it’s an excellent point that most people would either revert back to old habits, or not acknowledge the day to begin with. You also had two good counterarguments in refuting the broad generalization that all small businesses and low income families would go under in one day.
DeleteYou make compelling points in this thesis, especially with the small businesses needing the income to stay in business. However, regarding the idea that one day couldn’t change anything, I think everything has to start somewhere, and it’s better than nothing.
DeleteIn a society that has grown comfortable with the constant availability of all necessary and unnecessary goods, a buy nothing day would be an excellent way to get people to reflect on what they do and do not need, get a better perspective on the affect of what we buy has on the environment, and increase appreciation that people have the ability and purchase what they want when they want.
ReplyDeleteCounter 1:
Not much reflecting can be done if people spend the day in constant worry that they may need to purchase something important
Counter 2:
It would take more than a day of not purchasing anything to see any real affects
Counter 3:
People would not feel much appreciation towards this if it has an affect on their daily lives, even if it is just for one day.
You’re points are pretty basic, but good. I do not agree that everyone would reflect that much on this day, much how many holiday-like events happen, and the majority of people do not even know what they are celebrating. It’s a good thesis, and I think you can construct a well-thought out essay, good job.
DeleteWhile I don’t personally agree that we should have one of these days, I think you make some really good points. I also think you have god counters, as your first one is something I would use in my essay
DeleteA “buy nothing day” would increase appreciation between businesses (big or small) and their customers, as well as allowing society to re-evaluated wants and needs and provide an opportunity to see the impact of consumer culture on daily life.
ReplyDeleteCounter of business appreciation:
The damage done to businesses during the day off might outweigh any increase display of support.
Counter of re-evaluation:
One day is not enough for people to change their life-long habits
Counter of observation:
One day is not enough to observe any significant impacts.
Although I had an opposite side in this debate, I like your set up, and your counters are well thought out. It’s short and sweet, but it makes sense. Although it hasn’t changed my mind, I think it has a lot of potential.
DeleteWhile an Annual Buy Nothing Day would have it’s fair share of negatives, it would force people to consider how the things they buy affect the environment and help to change the society of instant gratification through consumerism, overall helping to build a better Earth for everyone.
ReplyDeleteReason: It would force people to take a step back in consider how their choices as consumer affect the environment.
Counterargument: People will revert right back to their old habits when the day is over.
Reason: The effects on small businesses, the economy, and others are serious; however, the fate of Earth is at stake.
Counterargument: One day of not buying things won’t make a difference in the fate of Earth, but it could seriously harm a small business.
Reason: It could be an opportunity to spend our time in new ways and to appreciate the Earth instead of hurting it.
Counterargument: You want to enjoy some free time at the cost of people’s jobs?
I think you made some really great points. Even being on the other side, you had very promising sounding “positives” about the impact of a “Buy Nothing” day. I think the only thing that could’ve weakened your thesis is how you opened it sort of diplomatically, for lack of a better word, by stating right of the back that it has its fair share of negatives. Though minuscule the wording made it lose a little of the initial punch the rest of your thesis has. However, putting that aside, you put great consideration into your counters and it shows, and your thesis overall was very strong! Good stuff!
Delete*right of the bat, I mean
DeletePeople do not change their undesirable habits in one day. Creating a buy nothing day would only hurt the people that have put in time and hard work to help support their families. In America people have the freedom to create opportunities for themselves and taking that away because some people are too materialistic would not create a good outcome.
ReplyDeleteCounter small business- It is only one day of no sales so it will not hurt the business.
Counter opportunities- This is not restricting anyones freedom because it is only one day of no shopping.
Counter materialistic- Some people may actually need the things that they buy often.
Your point about the buy nothing day restricting people’s freedoms in America is a little extreme. I don’t think anyone would see businesses being shut down for one day as a threat to their liberties. This thesis came off as strong, which is a good thing. You weren’t shy to write strong opinions, which I respect. Nice job!
DeleteI see where you’re coming from with how this could seem unfair to the hard working people of this country, but everyone needs a break. It could help them step back and appreciate where their hard work has brought them in the same way it would help people appreciate the business from the outside.
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ReplyDeleteWhile a “Buy Nothing Day” would offer a break from giving into society’s desires and need for instant gratification, cutting the paychecks of the lower class and small business even for one day would cause more harm than good, as one day makes a huge difference when living pay check to pay check.
Counter of pay check to pay check:
Small businesses would make up for the days loss but the surge of customers the following business day.
Counter of one day:
One day does not actually cause a big loss in a persons pay check, only $50.75 for a minimum wage worker employee who puts in 7 hours a day.
Counter of lower class:
Many in the lower class receive food stamps and other economic assistance that would displace the money lost.
Megan I really liked that you put numbers in. I’m a big words girl, but I appreciate seeing numbers, like very much appreciate. I think you made great points, and maybe I’m biased because I’m in agreement but I think this was a really good, to the point thesis with great counters.
DeleteYour counter arguments were really good, I can tell you put a lot of thought into them. You did the math for the one day of a missing paycheck and proved it wouldn't be too much of a loss. I like it!
DeleteMany people rely on the consumerism lifestyle as means of revenue, and without this everyday, consumerism world, some companies may just fall way behind from even a slight puncture in their daily income. A Spend Nothing Day sounds as a good way for people to realize the items they have, however, many people would just look at this day as any other, and a majority would most likely overlook the intended goal. This may even wreck family businesses and stocks could fall. The risk heavily outweighs the small reward.
ReplyDeleteCounter to small businesses:
One day does not have that big of a change on all businesses.
Counter to reliability of this lifestyle:
Many people just feel they need to have such a life style because that’s all they know
Counter to appreciation:
Maybe those people will find happiness in other things than their business.
You wrote exactly what I was thinking, only I think you did a much better job than I did in doing so. This thesis is sticky; it is hard to forget because of how articulate it is. I wouldn’t change anything about your thesis, but I would tweak your last counter argument. Perhaps a stronger counter argument would be if you pointed out how one day of a family business being out of commission would not be enough, realistically, to “wreck their business”.
DeleteI think your thesis was a bit wordy and long, but it made excellent points. Also, while we agreed on the basic concept, we made different arguments on why it wouldn’t be helpful. I liked the idea that people would over look the intended goal, as many people do that today with more basic movements. Nice work!
DeleteDespite its potential to raise awareness of environmental and overconsumption concerns, an annual purchase nothing day will deny businesses— both big and small— the income needed for the survival of their employees. The impact of one day of refraining from buying things will not be as great as the expectation for its success, and such a day will do more harm than good for families dependent on these businesses for life necessities.
ReplyDeleteCounter to denying income to businesses and their employees:
Unless a business is truly struggling to stay afloat in the market, then one day out of commission will not have large or lasting negative effects on the business.
Counter to “impact is less than expectation”:
It may not seem like much, but “it only takes one candle to light the darkness” (St. Francis of Assisi). Even if the day doesn’t end overconsumption, it will bring awareness and inspire at least a few people to take action.
Counter to dependent families:
A buy nothing day will stir up feelings of gratitude in families for what they already have. Perhaps it will inspire them to become closer as a family, remember that at least they have each other, and to be more conservative with their spending.
You have the opposite view as me, but it definitely made me think! Your point about the pay of employees is one that stuck out to me, because it directly affects people.
DeleteA 'Buy Nothing Day' would benefit small businesses, allow people to realize that they are lucky to get what they want when they want it, and also to realize how often people feel like they should always be getting things, when in reality when it isn't necessary.
ReplyDeleteCounter of benefitting small businesses
Some businesses may benefit because people would stock up the day before or after, but if they don't, the one day of no sales could greatly lower thier margin of sales and impact the profits.
Counter to realization of how lucky we are
Some people may not even consider this, and it will make them more greedy and upset with the government.
Counter to realization of wanting
This goes along with number 2 people may no realize that the opportunity for getting new things is a privilege, and may upset them more than allow them to reflect on how they are lucky.