Black Friday

Black Friday, September 24, 1869, marks a significant day of financial panic in U.S. history. A group of speculators, including Jay Gould and James Fisk, attempted to corner the gold market with the backing of federal officials from the Grant administration. Their plan unraveled when the government released gold for sale, leading to widespread ruin for many investors, hence the term "Black Friday." This event sparked outrage against those involved. Additionally, the term has been used to describe other days of financial turmoil. In contemporary context, Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving, recognized as one of the busiest shopping days in the U.S. and the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. The term "black" signifies retailers moving from "in the red" (loss) to "in the black" (profit) as they begin to recover financially. Secrets, much like the concept of Black Friday, require a unique understanding and initiation. Knowledge of a secret is not merely about its content but involves mastering the techniques and codes that govern its sharing. This knowledge is technical and performative, relying on the ability to communicate through subtle signs and gestures, establishing a bond among those who share in the secret. Those who cannot decipher these signs reveal themselves as outsiders, lacking the shared understanding that defines the community of the initiated.