What’s the point in Boycotting?

[u/cacxte]

It seems like everyone forgot about standing against major corporations that eliminate DEl and supporting small businesses-only to turn around and go back a few days later for something like cheaper cake. What's the point of starting a movement if everyone abandons it so quickly?

[u/ChoiceReflection965]

I think a lot of people really WANT to boycott big corporations and try their best to support the movement, but ultimately, the average American simply cannot afford to do all their shopping at small businesses. Target and Walmart and the like offer low prices and are the only accessible options for many people. Folks are just doing their best to get by and have to shop where they can buy their groceries within their budgets. I think something good we can do for one another is share tips and tricks for minimizing waste and consumption even if you do have to utilize big-box stores.

One recipe I love to share is, if you want a cake but don’t have a lot of money to spend, or want to minimize your purchases, here’s an option to try! Cherry coke cake. Mix together one box of chocolate cake mix and 1 1/2 cups of cherry coke, bake at 350 F for 30 mins, top with your favorite vanilla icing.

[u/RudyJuliani → u/ChoiceReflection965]

Saying this kind of thing on this sub is like preaching to the choir. But the problem starts with thinking you need a cake. (The cake can be anything unnecessary, yes cake is food, but you don’t need cake, just like you don’t need a majority of the things you own).

If you say, “well it’s hard to boycott Walmart and support a small business because this (insert whatever it is you think you need) is 5x more expensive at said small business, so I’m stuck shopping at Walmart”. - No, you do not need a cake. Boycotting isn’t “well I have to buy this because I can’t afford to buy it elsewhere”. Boycotting is going without. Make your own cake, or simply don’t have a cake.

The real problem with those of us who are not happy with the status quo and are motivated to make a change, are largely unwilling to actually do anything to bring about change. We/they are unwilling to sacrifice the conveniences and pleasantries that this new version of capitalism has convinced us is needed. Again, I know I’m preaching to the choir on this sub, but if everyone who is actually upset about what’s going on wants to make a change, voting with your wallet is a very very easy way to do so.

I don’t know about most people, but I could live just fine with buying groceries and the basic life necessities but nothing else for quite a long time.