Should those who insist on boycotts of companies who's policies they don't agree

1. 76

   jlparkposted 9 years ago

   Should those who insist on boycotts of companies who's policies they don't agree with, fully commit?
   
   I will not ever purchase Barilla pasta due to their anti-LGBT policies or donate to the Salvation Army for the same reason. I give my money to other inclusive, anti-discrimination companies + charities. YET, I see a lot of people calling for boycotts over LGBT inclusive policies - yet, they still use Facebook, Apple products, Microsoft products (basically any computers or smart phones), Kraft food, shop at Target, drive etc. Do they merely pick and choose the most convenient ones for them, or are they not fully committed? Should they fully commit to the cause? Pic to help
   
   

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2. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   
   
   Thank you for notifying us on this.  I used to purchase Barilla pasta products but not anymore.  I am all for equality for the LGBT community.  How egregious Barilla is indeed!
   
   Yes, unfortunately, there will be those who are against the LGBT community & will be up in arms at companies & policies which support them.  Very sad isn't it?

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      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It is sad. I don't expect everyone to agree on LGBT, but I find it concerning that people don't entirely understand what they are boycotting against - the treatment of everyone equally. They don't fully commit tho - only doing what is easy.

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3. 70

   lisavollrathposted 9 years ago

   It's really hard to live in the real world, and only support businesses whose values are consistent with my own. A few random thoughts:
   
   I used to give all the change in my purse to the Salvation Army every time I passed a red kettle during the holidays, but after reading that they were actively anti-gay, I stopped. Who am I hurting? Not the Salvation Army. I'm hurting those who benefit from their programs---some of the people who can least afford to lose the support.
   
   I also stopped shopping at Target a while back, because they gave money to an anti-gay candidates, but I'm not sure shopping at any other national chain is any better. Walmart? Their workers are woefully under paid. Kmart? They pulled out of my state years ago. And if Target still supports those candidates, but also supports trans inclusion---am I boycotting them, or shopping there?
   
   To my friends' horror, I still buy my art supplies locally at Hobby Lobby, because my dollars go further there, even though I hate the politics and policies of the store's owners. If I shop elsewhere, I can't afford to buy as many supplies, and have to raise the prices on all the art I sell, and classes I teach, which prices out many people who enjoy supporting me now. Is that really a good trade off? Can I make it, and still keep food on my table, and a roof over my head? Who is my boycott of Hobby Lobby really going to hurt in the long run?
   
   I'm vegan, which, by definition, means I avoid the exploitation of animals in all areas of my life. And yet, I buy products from companies whose parent corporations exploit animals. Does that make me a bad vegan? Should I really support vegan products produced by companies who profit from animal exploitation?
   
   Yesterday, I left a comment supporting Target making their restroom policy public, and I saw a lot of negative comments, saying they'd take their business to Walmart. But Walmart has the same restroom policy; they just haven't spoken out about it they way Target has. So, how is boycotting Target in favor of Walmart making any difference? (Let's not even get into how much time people actually spend using public restrooms at either place, which makes this whole thing a ridiculous exercise about nothing.)
   
   Life is complicated. We each have to pick our battles, and do the best we can. Sometimes, avoiding business with a company might make us feel a little better, but in reality, the alternative businesses may not be any better, or the boycott may be hurting those who can least afford it.

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      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I do see what you mean. When a Charity physically turns needy people away becus they're LGBT (Hurricane Katrina - they did just that, from memory) - I'll put my money into the Red Cross instead. But I know what u mean.

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4. 94

   lions44posted 9 years ago

   It's unrealistic.  Every company does something you don't like.  I may not agree with Barilla or The Salvation Army, but my not using the product won't do anything. And I would advise my fellow GOPers not to boycott anybody.  We don't do that. Individuals have a right to their own views.  Private companies can do what they want as long as they comply with State/Federal law. 
   The Salvation Army is a wonderful organization that performs tremendous work w/the homeless.  It's a religious group, but the only people you hurt are the ones they are serving. 
   Short of supporting terrorism (domestic or international), I won't be boycotting any companies or organizations.

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      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Except afterhurricane Katrina the Sally's TURNED away people from the LGBT community. I give to the Red Cross instead. My suggestion was becus the medium they use 2 spout their distaste also supports LGBT..shouldn't they be boycotting social media 2?

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      lions44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you on the LGBT issue. I wish they would change that. But I will also check out SA on social media.

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      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, I meant those who insist on boycotting target etc - not the Sallies - still being on social media

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5. 81

   tamarawilhiteposted 9 years ago

   Boycotts sometimes do change company policies, so they aren't a waste of time.
   You're right that boycotting can reach the point of "so who are we still allowed to shop with?"

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   1. 76

      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      And the - why are you still using Facebook then if you really don't like using companies who support equality? (Which is where I find most of said people). It can change policies tho a lot of the policies they r trying 2 change would b backward step.

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      tamarawilhiteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't use Facebook. Trans rights isn't equality - it is privileging mentally ill men over women. When I was sexually harassed by a man, HR nailed him to the wall. When done by a man in a dress, HR ignored it until I proved work interference by it

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   3. 76

      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      There are trans men as well (born female) - just saying. I've had this discussion with u b4 - don't want it here. I see Where your views come from now, and I get it so I will leave it there.

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