Record-breaking sales on Black Friday were marred by pepper spray attacks, attempted robberies and shootings, displaying the ultimate contradiction that defines the day after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means quickly following is the busiest and crazy shopping day of the year, Black Friday, which falls this year on Nov. 26.

Every year, the Friday after Thanksgiving attracts masses of people to malls and department stores around the country, during the blackness of predawn morning.