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?
It kind of depends on the reason for the boycott and how widely it’s understood. Like I for sure judge anyone who buys a cybertuck today.
Or a MAGA hat. Or a Trump card.
Buy a new Tesla now? You’re a piece of shit. No exceptions.
So many Australian’s buying Tesla’s but as an Aussie I can only agree with you
Some people may not be informed about what is happening
They probably dont care about what a rich person does in a country on another continent
Then I’m definitely judging them for that, too.
“Davon haben wir nichts gewusst” was a shit excuse back then and an even worse excuse now, in the internet connected world.
Tap for spoiler
Davon haben wir nichts gewusst" (“We knew nothing about that”)
I’ve learned that the vast vast vast majority of people don’t care. I can spend all my time hating everyone for being lazy and ordering daily items from Amazon, or eating Chick Fil A, or whatever, but I’ll end up hating 99% of the population. I don’t have time for that.
All I can do is focus on myself and what I spend my money on. Sure I educate where I can, but you don’t want to be the preachy person either, because they’ll just start ignoring you. Do what you can, but if you’re going to judge people for buying things - you’re going to judge everyone - and then that’s more on you.
Agree. Except buying a new Tesla now. As a former Tesla owner, if you buy a new one now, fuck you. There is no excuse for ignorance here.
Agree there, Tesla is pretty dang obvious, and it’s a huge purchase. It’s not buying a non-organic tomato or a chicken sandwich, it’s very clear where the money goes, and you had to make a very clear conscious decision about it that you will be living with for years to come.
Probably the most grounded answer here.
Would you not judge people for putting a gun to the head of a child and pulling the trigger?
Because buying from some companies is paying the salary and the bullets of the people who do exactly that.
When people are designated as “terrorists” you can even be held criminally liable under the current system, if you keep doing business with them. Shouldnt the same standard apply for people doing business with genocide?
Those are completely separate examples and you know it.
If you think that giving a murderer money so he can buy a gun to murder people with is not related to the act of murdering people, i would love to hear the explanation.
First of all, you’re demanding me answer something that is completely separate from the original argument. OP asked about judging other people for their purchases. You are asking about an action that presents direct violent harm, something completely different. Purchasing something from a company may support violence in some way, but purchasing an item may support the company’s practices, but it does not necessarily mean that every purchase directly funds those harmful actions. Your comparison is quite literally the “Appeal to Emotion” fallacy, it is not a good-faith argument, you are trying to present an emotional picture that isn’t relevant, and I won’t buy into it.
All the time on the internet this happens. Someone here put it very well. Someone can ask “What is 2+2” and a commenter will reply “4”. Someone else then will inevitably reply “Well what about 2+3?! You didn’t even consider it!”
The question was asked and answered, you’re asking something completely separate.
Everyone saw that Hitler salute in 2024. There wasn’t a person on the planet who didn’t see that. I highly distrust anyone driving around in a 2025 Tesla, the new ones with the knockoff versions of the Lucid light bars. Creepy AF to see, especially in a theoretically “progressive” area. Salute aside, he’s an enemy to just about everyone on the planet for multiple reasons.
At least we know now.
Yeah man, agree with this 100%.
Ugh, I just really don’t want another ICE car. I like the Lightning and the SilvErado but I can’t justify spending 70k. Would be great if another car company had an affordable option for an AWD car or crossover with 300+ miles range.
You can get an ioniq 5 2025 with 318 2wd or 290 AWD. But they are more expensive due to Trump’s tariffs and rebates that he clawed back.
I think people should boycott entities that they feel deserve it, but only to the extent that their financial situation warrants it. For example, I try to not buy from Amazon. I think everyone should do this, but I have the luxury of being able to afford paying more for the same thing bought elsewhere. Some people don’t, and that’s OK.
I agree with this. I would also add that sometimes time / convenience is a factor. I’ve a friend who orders from Amazon because she’s disabled; I’ve another friend who has three kids and she’s doing her online shopping for back-to-school late at night because that’s literally the only free time she has to do it and all the stores are closed.
I live on an island in Alaska, so my Amazon alternatives are usually Walmart, maybe Target… not a lot of others. If I can buy direct from the company I will, but a lot of times Amazon is the only real option (and no option to buy local).
Yep some people don’t have a lot of other options.
Excellent answer and example (Screw amazooon–they basically put a rent on books)
Everyone has different values, different pieces of information (and different amounts of time to do research), and different resources.
No, I don’t judge people for not boycotting something I’m boycotting, though I’ll mention it if it’s going to cause a problem. For example, a friend is a massive fan of seeing things in theaters, including re-releases. If they want to see a re-release of Harry Potter, I’ll decline, saying that I’m boycotting Rowling, and offer an alternative.
However, if they’ve been saying that they’re really for/against something and seem to be going to buy something from a company that opposes that view, I’ll mention, “Hey, I don’t know if you know, but they support XYZ.” If they still have to get it, then it’s none of my business: everyone has different needs and different resources.
It’s nice to see there’s still space for nuanced opinions on the internet.
Lol I’m about to type the exact same thought and saw you put it even better than I would.
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.
Only if they do something really crazy like willingly using Microsoft Teams.
I boycott businesses whose practices I oppose, but I won’t necessarily judge others for not doing the same unless they are deliberately supporting harmful ideologies and practices. Sometimes financial or geographical constraints prevent access to ethical alternatives.
Sometimes. If somebody claims to be a gay ally, but then eats at Chick-fil-A and shops at Target or Hobby Lobby, they’re not really being an ally. You’ve gotta put your money where your mouth is if you want any change in this world. Stop giving money to people that hate you.
Chick fila a and hobby lobby for sure
Target will get a bit of leeway from me.
The other two are run by people who have actively funneled money towards shit like conversion therapy
Target, unless I’ve missed something, just kind of pulled their DEI initiatives, so while they’re not doing anything to make the situation better for LGBTQ people, they’re not trying to actively make shit worse for them either.
Also nothing chick fila a or hobby lobby sells is particularly essential, you don’t need craft supplies and fast food. Target at least sells basic essentials like clothes, groceries, medications, etc. and sometimes they’re the only or most affordable place in town to get those things, so I can’t exactly begrudge people for shopping there for those things unless I know there’s a better alternative.
If you can, you shouldn’t shop at target of course, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
I mean, Walmart is far worse than Target. People shit on Target now because they used to take a stand and then suddenly bailed like cowards. Walmart was born in evil, molded by it.
Pretty clear you don’t actually understand anything about Chik-fil-A other than the things your chosen talking heads tell you
Nah. People are more ignorant than they are evil, and ethical consumption in capitalism is at least difficult. I’m sure I’m doing something that inadvertently helps an evil cause somewhere in the world…
We all have different priorities in life. I’m far from perfect so I’m in no place to assume moral superiority over someone just because of a product they purchased.
Thinking anyone is a terrible person is a great first step in making sure you will never win them over to your way of seeing things.
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.
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.
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 can’t even get my family members to stop spending money on potter merchandise, I appreciate you.
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.
