Personal boycott list

Consumer action is a weak tool, but I’m not playing

I realize consumer boycotts have a pretty poor record of achieving change. All the more so if they aren’t launched and enforced at scale and with a clear strategy and goal.

That’s fine. But I still can’t stomach buying certain goods and services or participating in some activities that make me deeply uncomfortable. Just for interest, I thought I would list them here with a short explanation.

Part of the reason I’m listing them here is to invite debate or information that might change my views or actions. So feel free to comment and challenge me here. I’m up for it.

Tesla:

Anything associated with Elon Musk is haram. This, even though the cars might be good and I’m pro-EV. I bought a used 2019 Nissan LEAF and am quite happy. At this point, anyone who buys a Tesla is signalling sympathy for fascism. Sorry, but true.

Twitter:

I’m trying — hard — to boycott the former Twitter. I haven’t deleted my accounts — becausee I don’t want someone stealing them. But I’m done with Twitter.

Amazon:

I’m not religious about this and our household has Prime which we use for television. My wife orders plenty on Amazon, but I don’t. When I do online, I find other vendors even though I know I probably pay more and it’s more hassle. But I like supporting a diversity of businesses undermining the monopoly. Mostly, I just vastly prefer shopping in real life and will maek a point of doing that when I need things. Can’t always do it, and, again, my family is provided for via my wife via Amazon. But I don’t do it.

Sababa, Rasika, and Little Blackbird:

These restaurants in my neighborhood and in DC are great. I actually love the food and the vibe. But the owner has publicly opposed protected bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue — a cause near and dear to me. And an issue of personal safety for me and my family. So, I’m boycotting them until we get the bike lanes or the owner changes his mind. Also the owner has been opposing a unionization drive. So, another reason to boycott.

Compass Coffee:

Compass coffee is good coffee. And I really like some of their shops. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Georgetown shop enjoying the vibe as a place to sit with my laptop. But Compass has been opposing a union drive and also seems to be owned by crypto-friendly weirdos — possible frauds — who can’t get along. So, there are plenty of other cute coffee shops.

[More coming soon…]

Stuff I used to boycott, but now do not:

China: I used to check labels and refuse to buy anything made in China. This was due to human rights and labor rights concerns. But, I’ve come around on this because a) I have a more nuanced view on China now and the incredible accomplishments in poverty reduction and human development, and b) it’s awfully hard to enforce in this world.

ENDS//