U of Minn. professor challenges Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is considered one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and one of the most profitable for retailers.

But University of Minnesota social science professor William Doherty is challenging the notion that Black Friday should kick off a time of excess.

"A lot of people end up depleted at a time of the year that ideally if you ask what their values are they would like it to be a time of peace, reflection and connection," Doherty said. Doherty says the troubled economy provides people with another good reason to think twice about spending too much this holiday season.

Doherty has formed the "Black Friday Group" to discuss ways to curb excess during the holidays. The group will hold its first public event Friday morning at Unity Church - Unitarian in St. Paul.