In a display of solidarity and protest against major corporations’ rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, activists across the United States are gearing up for a Nationwide Economic Blackout on Friday, February 28.
Spearheaded by The People’s Union, the boycott is a call to consumers to pause their spending, particularly at large retailers, fast-food chains, and gas stations for the entirety of Friday.
The activist group aims to shed light on the significant impact consumer spending has on the national economy and, by extension, corporate policies. By abstaining from financial transactions with large businesses for a day, the group aspires to underscore the power of the consumer and demand accountability for corporate actions undermining progress toward workplace inclusivity.
The boycott emerges as a potent countermeasure to what many advocates see as a disturbing trend: the dilution of DEI efforts by some of the country’s leading corporations. This action sets to remind these economic giants of the substantial role diverse communities play not just as employees but as consumers too.
“This blackout is more than a protest; it’s a wake-up call, an assertion of our collective might against a system profiting at our expense,” John Schwarz, The People’s Union’s founder, stated on social media.
From the break of dawn at 12 a.m. and ticking all the way to 11:59 p.m. on February 28, The People’s Union urges a cessation of all non-essential purchases. The recommendation extends to transactions both in physical stores and online platforms, especially ones operated by behemoths like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, alongside leading fast-food establishments.
While essential buyings, including food, medicine, and emergency supplies, are exceptions to this rule, participants are encouraged to use credit and debit cards sparingly, reserving them solely for these unavoidable purchases.
In a pivot towards community resilience and support, the blackout emphasizes patronage at local and small businesses for any essential needs that might arise during the day. This strategy not only aligns with the event’s overarching goals but also furthers the narrative of fostering economic and social cohesion within local communities.
The group also plans to hold an “Amazon Blackout,” with consumers not spending money on amazon.com from March 7-14 as well as the Nestle Corporation from March 21-28.
While the extent of the blackout’s impact remains to be seen, its success could very well set the stage for future consumer-directed protests and potentially shift corporate policies towards more inclusive practices.
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I’ll be stocking up at Costco today to support them in their stance against the anti-diversity, equity and inclusion bullsh*t so I don’t give a dime tomorrow (or anytime soon for that matter) against the spineless corporate monsters who accept racism in their business practices.
It would be great to have a list of local businesses who support racist policies as well. Anyone know of any?
Go get that giant roll of corporate TP, big guy!! Make a stand! You go girl…
I’d be amazed if 10% of the population participated.
Yeah, racism runs deep.
Especially among the simple.
Frickin hilarious!! I love it!
That you find racism funny is the reason everyone here laughs at you, dude.
I do not understand why this “economic boycott” is scheduled to last only one day. ONE DAY!??!?? That’s it? One lousy day? Ridiculous. If a business is deemed worthy to boycott for one day, it’s deemed to be boycotted for eternity in my book. For anyone planning to join this effort, I would suggest shopping at local businesses rather than at major multi-national discount/box warehouses that have been putting “Mom & Pop” places out of business for the past 40 years. Support Chapala Market and Santa Cruz Market in Old Town Goleta, SB Home Improvement, West Side Hardware, butcher shops (Mayo’s on De la Vina, Cuca’s on Micheltorena), bakeries, and so on. .
BEES – read the article for once.
Good call, but the ‘boycott folks’ didn’t think that way! Looks like a sham.
BEES n BASIC – You guys/gals need to read better. You’ve both missed the point here, by a LOT.
This isn’t so much about protesting against big corporations, it’s about showing ALL businesses that their actions (rolling back DEI initiatives) have consequences. It’s a chance for consumers to stand up for their values.
For those who have none, move along.
Buying a set of tires tomorrow, 02-28 online, filling up my 34 gal tank of CA over-taxed gasoline, going to make a point of going to “The Border” (Taco Bell ) for lunch, which I normally wouldn’t do, and Best Buy to look at, and maybe buy a 72″ TV… Have a nice day!
COAST – you’re shocking no one. We all know, have known for years, that you’re a racist. ?
Trump is promising quick fixes to all of America’s problems. We know that’s not realistic. We need to be equally realistic that there is no quick fix for Trumpism.
Sadly, a one-day or one-week boycott is unlikely to accomplish anything significant. To have a lasting effect, the action needs to be enduring. The boycott of the bus system in Montgomery, Alabama during the civil rights movement lasted a full year.
So stop using Amazon. Stop using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (I know, I know – but I’m not going to call it that). The impact of you doing these things alone is minimal. But know that others are doing the same thing and collectively we have a real impact.
You can also make calls, write letters, participate in voter registration efforts, demonstrate, donate if you can to organizations like the ACLU, PBS, and NPR. Subscribe to a newspaper or other outlet to keep funding the reporters who are the best watchdogs over government and industry. There are lots of things you can do to resist Trumpism.
UPTOWN – good thing it’s not the only thing people who oppose Trump’s awful agenda are doing.
“While the extent of the blackout’s impact remains to be seen.” Let me take a wild guess in response to this quoted comment. IMO a one day “blackout” will have absolutely no impact on anything. Today (28th) was the first day I’ve heard about this.
One day liberals will figure out that things like this are the reason Trump got elected.
Big deal. The protesters will just buy on the day before or the day after the protest. .
SAIL – yeah, but I think the idea here is to show businesses how much they rely on their customers and when they make business decisions that counter their values (and most of the world’s values), there will be consequences. It’s more of a wake up call I guess. Hopefully, enough people around the world participate so that it’s noticeable. Just the fact that it’s happening should be concerning to shareholders.
Actions have consequences. Voluntarily ending programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion should not be taken lightly.
Remember, DEI isn’t affirmative action. DEI encompasses hiring, education, workplace policies, harassment, etc. Removing everything that sounds like diversity is a clear indication of an acceptance of bigotry and racism. That should not be acceptable, even to Cons.
Don’t forget, DEI also includes the elderly, the disabled, veterans, women, etc…. it’s not just about skin color and LGBQT.
Company executives doing long term planning could care less about 1 day. Give up your Phone or computer for a year and it may get the attention your looking for. For me it was a great day to order a new Weatherby!
SAIL – I bet those CEOs could care less about the prospects of a global and long term boycott, right? That’s the next step here. People are speaking with their wallets. Good people don’t support racism and there are more good people on this planet than those who support the ban on DEI initiatives.
In a capitalist society, you better believe the threat of losing customers isn’t taken lightly.
BASICDON’TKNOWSQUAT – “The City Council has failed to do ANYTHING for the last 5 years”
That’s exactly what they have been doing. DEI is not affirmative action. DEI, in hiring practice (because remember, DEI encompasses far more than hiring), takes the most qualified candidate DESPITE their race, age, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc.
Try learning about the things you pontificate on, for once. Jeez man.
Another question I know you’ll run away from: If you’re so adamant about merit, how on earth you supporting Pete Hegseth, Gabbard, RFK Jr (not a medical degree in sight), Patel (who is defunding the police), Bondi, etc?
I bet you won’t answer.
My bad…. I was responding to THIS claim by BASICNSLOW – “Hey, just hire the best prospect in front of you? “
Corporate executives look no further than the next short term profit cycle to ensure funding for their golden parachutes. Enjoy your parasites!