I seen too many internet forums saying that if you don’t boycott X, Y, and Z, then you’re a “terrible person”. What do you think about that?
Yes. My son has a genetic disorder and receives care from my country’s socialized medical system. Donald Trump has threatened to annex my country. I would not be able to afford the treatments that keep my son alive under Trump. I boycott American goods like my child’s life depends on it. People need to understand that Trump’s threats towards the USA’s former allies imply deadly consequences. Fuck Trump, fuck maga, and fuck anyone who supports them by buying their shitty goods. Unless you have absolutely no choice, don’t buy American.
Yes, but only silently
If they’re doing it out of ignorance, I’d tell them what’s wrong with X and let them decide for themselves.
If they’re doing it out of necessity, I’d help them look for viable alternatives, and leave them alone if there are none.
If they’re doing it out of support for X after I specifically told them why X is bad, then yeah I’d judge for a bit, then leave them alone.
Context matters quite a bit here. Not all boycots are created equal.
I used to be the guy who wandered into Target every other week to get one thing and left with an $150 cart full of junk I didn’t plan on buying. I joined the boycotting over their DEI policy shift. I wouldn’t judge someone for continuing to shop there. Though I would encourage them to spend less. I view that boycott as an important lesson in respecting all stakeholders and not bending the knee to authoritarianism, but hardly an existential crisis for anyone or anything but Target.
I’m not sure if I’m technically boycotting Tesla because I’ve never done any business with them. However, it’s my firm conviction that someone who buys a Tesla today, is a piece of shit. Someone who knowingly invests in Tesla is a piece of shit. If they’re someone I continue to interact with after that they’re very likely to hear about it.
Tesla, in my opinion, is complicit in everything Elon does. It has proactively financed, and propagandized oppression and undermined democracy and the functioning of a government that is supposed to serve and represent me. Anyone who buys a Tesla today is also complicit.
I work downtown in my city for the state government. I usually see at lest 1 tesla per day if not more parked downtown. I’m excited when I see one that’s dirty because I can wet my fingertip and wipe dirt away in the shape of, “Fuck Tesla and Fuck Elon.”
No, it’s the same with vegans / vegetarian, I think what they are doing is noble and I try to do as much as they, but I don’t look down or judge people for not being able to do it.
There’s enough shit in the world to worry about to start putting people down for not following every single boycott.
That said, fuck Nestle.
Here in Canada, the products we’re boycotting have been marked down because people wouldn’t buy them otherwise. Someone that has less money than I have might need to buy the cheaper products so I’m not going to judge them for that.
I didn’t used to, but I’m getting more judgemental as time goes on. I’m an ally and involved in LGBTQIA orgs and I can’t tell you how many gay friends and acquaintances I have that still go to Chick-fil-A and Walmart. I’m harsher with those two, but now, I’ll speak out against folks going to Target as well. Even without Target, Walmart and Amazon, I still have no trouble buying anything I need without inconvenience. The only language large corporations speak is money and if you can’t even boycott a company that makes mid fast food that’s spending money to take away your rights, it seems pathetic to me.
I can’t even get my family members to stop spending money on potter merchandise, I appreciate you.
Yeah.
I’m sure there are a lot of people who are apathetc and think it’s not “worth it” to boycott, because “nobody else is doing it” and it “won’t have any effect”
Maybe that’s sometimes true, but for me it’s not even about that. It’s about having principles, sticking to them, and being proud of what I believe in.
Even if it achieves nothing, I’m still doing it.
You hit the nail on the head; principles are important and a measurement of your character. I understand that ignorance plays into it as well - I’m sure I support some crappy companies inadvertently. If we all tried our best however, there’d be less kowtowing to bigotry, fascism and exploitation of vulnerable people.
I hate to break it to you but in many parts of the rural US, Walmart is the only option to buy things. They have monopolized and killed small grocers, mechanics, and pharmacies. Walmart is the only place within a reasonable distance that I can get my (lifesaving) medication for a cost that I can afford. I hate doing it but there is literally no other option for me.
You’re right, unfortunately. That’s a reality in some rural areas. My experience does come from a city with options, and I’m judging those folks. One positive is that so many things can be delivered now, which helps to supplement the absence of local businesses put under by Walmart, and can even create more local businesses. While you may not have the option with certain medications, spending 30% less there will make a difference.
Depends on the situation and who is being boycotted. If you can’t get the things and you need it and you can only get it from x, then sucks but understandable. If you have alternatives and know about the boycott and why it’s going on and still get the thing because you just want it? You’re a selfish prick.
Depends, because often times people need to survive and can only afford/don’t have another choice than to spend their money on a bad company (I.e. Walmart), but if they are buying a Tesla, then yes
a little. was kinda disappointed when some in my friends group bought the switch 2. but you can’t expect people to value the same things you do, but the judgement is natural as long as it’s in perspective.
No.
The holier-than-thou consumer nonsense becomes a tad silly when you realize you’re typing out your judgement on a computer assembled with child or slave labor. And every single one of us is using a device in that category.
I appreciate people trying to be conscientious, but judging other people’s consumer choices is silly to me.
Oh I bet the wealthy love it when the working class are at other’s throats over what brands they should boycott.
The very OP is likely a think tank meme designed to keep us arguing, and it’s working great because a fucktonne of lemmings feel they have the right to decide how I spend my money
It’s the internet. People get worked up over pizza toppings. Boycotting won’t solve this crisis, it’s a personal preference thing as far as I’m concerned. I do it like I try to keep waste to a minimum. I don’t want to be a part of the problem where possible but I don’t expect to cause a detectable impact. If I and others do - even better.
Nah, there’s already enough to try and keep up with no need to add to the pile. If its friends I might just comment why I dont. I wouldn’t expect them to change though if they didnt care.
fucking disgusting I had to scroll down half the page to get a reasonable response
Yes, even myself.
