It’s one minute to midnight and you’re standing behind the doors of Walmart looking at the immense number of people riled up and ready to shop.  As the seconds count down, you become more and more worried about the way your night could turn out; will you be trampled? Caught in the middle of a fist fight? Have to deal with manic 12 a.m. shoppers? You’re about to find out.

Black Friday is the “kick off” of the holiday shopping season: the day after Thanksgiving when most stores have big deals and savings starting at midnight. People line up hours before store openings to be the first one to get that plasma television or take advantage of that BOGO (buy one get one free) jeans sale.  It has always been a hectic day- but things are being taken too far.

A Wal-Mart in Philly this year experienced a massive fight, which resulted in an ambulance trip to the hospital. The fight was all due to one item that was on sale.

“It’s silly, the girls in Victoria’s Secret this year were clawing at each other for the $25 yoga leggings,” said Senior Michele D’Aries.

A lot of the “deals” stores claim to have on Black Friday aren’t worth the time or struggle. Also, it’s dangerous. In most recent years, Black Friday shopping has resulted in deaths and injuries. Since 2006, there have been seven reported deaths and 90 injuries. People have been trampled to death, and more commonly get in car accidents from falling asleep at the wheel. People fight over items, and end up in the hospital.

“I went black Friday shopping one year ago and I will never go again; too many people in a rush. I enjoy shopping at my own pace and being able to look around without being run over,” said junior Paige Ferrell.

Besides being dangerous, Black Friday shopping is an annoyance. Everyone tends to be in it for themselves, and aren’t going to let you leave with a pleasant shopping experience.

“The mall is always a mess when I go, it’s gross. I only end up buying a few things anyway,” said VHS senior Remy Sullivan. “The deals aren’t anything so special. I’d rather wait for Cyber Monday when I can shop in the comfort of my home.”

“It’s getting out of hand, if I had to work on Thanksgiving I’d quit,” said senior Catherine Tracy.

Now, Black Friday isn’t even enough – stores are now opening on Thanksgiving for Black Friday deals, which takes away the purpose of “Black Friday,” and takes away family time from employers.