Feeling the pinch? As the holiday season approaches, a growing chorus of groups is urging Americans to rethink their spending habits, specifically during the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But why? And what exactly are they hoping to achieve? Let's dive in.
Several national organizations are calling for economic boycotts, starting on Black Friday, to protest various issues, including the perceived rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These groups are encouraging consumers to withhold their spending as a form of protest.
Key players in this movement include The People's Union USA, Blackout the System, and We Ain't Buying It. They're asking Americans to avoid major brands and retailers from November 28th to December 5th, while simultaneously promoting Small Business Saturday on November 29th. Other groups involved include The People’s Sick Day, American Opposition, the Money Out of Politics Movement, and The Progressive Network.
These campaigns come at a time when many shoppers are already feeling the strain of rising prices, stagnant wages, and what they see as controversial actions by major corporations.
One major coalition, launching a boycott called “We Ain’t Buying It,” aims to put economic pressure on corporations they believe have supported policies they disagree with. This includes companies that allegedly funded the Trump administration or were involved in actions like rolling back DEI initiatives, mass firings of federal workers, and immigration raids. Their message is clear: "This Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday — let’s make our dollars count. We’re asking Americans to hit pause on shopping from major corporations."
But here's where it gets controversial... Advocates argue that withholding consumer dollars during the busiest shopping weekend of the year is a powerful way to get companies' attention. They are asking people to support small businesses and Black, Immigrant, and "POC"-owned businesses instead of big retailers.
So, what exactly are these groups protesting?
- The "We Ain't Buying It" campaign is targeting companies that support government policies against DEI or immigrant rights.
- Blackout the System frames its action as a critique of a system they believe benefits the wealthy.
- The People's Union USA focuses on supporting local economies and pushing back against big corporations.
- American Opposition has joined forces with other groups to call for a Total Economic Blackout from November 25th to December 2nd.
- The Money Out of Politics Movement is advocating for a stand against corruption, corporate greed, and authoritarian control.
Grassroots organizations, including Black Voters Matter, Indivisible, and Until Freedom, are also calling for boycotts of major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Home Depot, citing their perceived support of certain political figures and their alleged backtracking on DEI commitments.
Which companies are in the crosshairs?
- We Ain't Buying It: Target (for cutting DEI programs), Home Depot (for alleged collusion with ICE), and Amazon (for corporate tax deals).
- People's Union USA: Big-box stores and online retailers, encouraging spending only at small businesses.
- Blackout the System: All large corporate systems, with participants asked to avoid shopping and work, except for small businesses.
When are these economic blackouts happening?
While the dates vary slightly, they all kick off on Friday, November 28th.
- We Ain't Buying It: Until Monday, December 1st
- People's Union USA: Until December 5th
- Blackout the System: Until December 2nd
Who's leading the charge?
Several activist groups are organizing these Black Friday economic blackouts, each with its own specific focus and strategy.
- We Ain't Buying It: An economic action and solidarity campaign focused on defending democracy and reclaiming community power.
- The People's Union USA: Emphasizes the power of consumers to support small businesses and counter corporate influence.
- Blackout the System: A non-partisan, grassroots movement aiming to disrupt existing systems and build new ones.
- The People's Sick Day: A group for workers who are feeling overworked, underpaid, and fed up.
- American Opposition: Is developing the American muscle for boycotts and blackouts as a way to leverage economic power.
And this is the part most people miss... Earlier this year, some Michiganders participated in a nationwide boycott in response to major retailers rolling back their DEI commitments.
What do you think? Are these boycotts a necessary form of protest, or do they miss the mark? Do you agree with the goals of these groups, or do you have reservations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
