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The positive effects to the economy that results from the sale of merchandise is dependent, mainly on the later part of the year. Most of that is done in December, and that's when the mental state of shoppers is so intense and clearly identified.
More than any other time of the year it seems that during the holidays people's mindset is generally chaotic. I can't imagine that it would be any other way when you're shopping. Shopping is all about comparisons (and comparisons are traps) and this behavior affects people's clarity and vision. A clear and accurate perspective is difficult when someone is lost amid a sea of adjectives.
When everything becomes relative in value to everything else, it's difficult for this state of mind not to affect how we view people as well. Every aspect of someone's personality and each behavior becomes grist for the critical evaluation mill. It would seem to me that after being involved with this pressured, reactionary, aggressive state of criticism it would be the most inappropriate time to plan a reunion with friends and family. However, this is exactly the sequence of events that many people follow during the holiday season.
Our societal values are never more intense and in a hyper-raw state of exposure than when people apply those values to a season when commercially manufactured happiness is a prerequisite for interacting with the valued public. This is what creates our disenfranchised population and subjects them to all types of injustice.
Just as our Royals are praised during this time of the year, the people who are considered the least valued members of our society (or are even considered burdens) are more exposed than ever to images and overwhelmingly blunt messages that remind them of how the people whom they are taught are educated, knowledgeable and have a valid opinion, view their worth.
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Modern society defines its sophistication and progressive attitude by the advancements it makes in people's comfort and convenience. However, only a few people are viewed as worthy of these advantages. The society planners are effectively working to eliminate the people in the world they see as (or can define as) excess baggage and useless eaters.
At this time of the year in the United States, more crimes from the less valued public and the disenfranchised is perpetrated against similarly low ranked citizens than any other. There are also more suicides than any other time of the year. At a time when hyper-ranking is the most respected activity (and this respect is provided and taught by the corporations which profit from it) those with the least valued rank treat each other accordingly.
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It's more than irresponsible to believe that joy and peace can be shared with loved ones while ignoring how this population of people is treated in ways that are directly related to that comfort. The attempt to block it from our consciousness is an aggressive act and there are consequences.
I hope that everyone will have a joyful holiday. Contrary to a popular belief, peace and joy can't afford the convenience of ignoring anything. If joy is to be found, it will be in a state of consciousness where nothing needs to be ignored, and value can be seen in people without comparisons, which are degrading and confusing.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season. :)
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