Boycotttjng US Products and Services

[CovenOfCheeses]

Several of my friends have started a local campaign to boycott all US made goods and services. I have also started to do so because of the attitudes of the President to the rule of law and international co-operation. I have stopped buying from Amazon and have deleted my social media accounts and stopped using US made products. I feel that a country that is so antagonistic toward us should not be supported by our cash.

My eldest daughter is gay and has been saving up with her friend to go to the Dinah Shore weekend in the US. I said I would contribute some cash but now feel reticent to do so. She argues that she is going to support the people who are being attacked by Donald Trump, but I think that we should not give money to a country (even though it was only 50%) who twice voted for a menace to international order and the rule of law. I feel that during apartheid, it was only due to the economic boycotts that the system ended. It hurt the people who were in the country who did not agree to the system, but the economic impact forced the system to change. I think that by making a stand and making the people aware of how their president in impacting the world. Am I being unreasonable in withholding cash for her trip?

Maybe you shouldn't have said you would give her money in the first place then she could have saved more

Hhmm it's quite difficult this one. I wouldn't want to travel to the US myself and I would strongly encourage my children against going - I don't want to be paying anything into their economy at the moment on principle.

However - your daughter is going for a specific event that supports and celebrates a community who are now at risk of marginalisation and discrimination in the US, and supporting the event through attendance seems a strong message that gay women exist and are not afraid to exist.

I think I'd talk to her about this, I'm sure she has already considered both angles. Encourage her to be mindful of where she spends her dollars whilst she is there. Putting money into the pockets of small businesses, especially if women and minority-owned would be a good way of showing support.

It's a pity you and your friends don't have better things to do than organise a boycott of US goods. I think it's hilarious that you have such a high opinion of yourselves up on the moral high ground. Nobody cares and you will make not a jot of difference.
President Trump was elected by the American population to do exactly what he is doing and I think its great.

So you don’t stand for anything apart from racism, hatred of the poor, ignorance of the rule of law and the power of bullying. Even the biggest MAGA are now regretting their vote.

So you don’t believe that Gandhi, Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King made a jot of diffeeence? The Bristol bus boycott, boycotting South Africa or the sanctions on Russia did not make a jot of difference? Great.

Are you boycotting anything from China due to their human rights record, or stuff from
Bangladesh due to sweat shops?

When did China last threaten to invade a European country? Or side with a dictator that killed and is still killing hundreds of thousands on European soil? Or enact a trade war with us? Or even try and influence politics and promote far right parties and an agenda in Europe? Or influence politics and castigate our leaders for being woke?

Well aren’t you lovely. 😂😂😂😂😂

I think your promise to your daughter and her feeling supported is quite important. You can continue your boycott in other ways.

Your morals are of course important, but if it was me, I would relax about this one instance. Realistically, helping your daughter out isn't going to make much of a difference to the US, but it certainly will make a difference to her.

Great , now fill that temu basket for 99p and be happy

You can choose to buy or not buy what you want - that's the beauty of capitalism. (Would be interested to know what device you are posting this on.)

I think you said you'd give your lesbian daughter some money for her visit and she feels she has good reason to go and support her friends so I think whether you give it her depends on how much you value your boycott versus your relationship.

I'm in Canada and, like many here, am avoiding US products, services and travel where possible.

In your shoes, though, if the trip was planned on the basis that you'd give help your daughter out financially, I'd make good on that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for good alternatives to Amazon?
I am trying to cut down how much I use it but getting to the shops is tricky for me as I am disabled, so I rely on Amazon a lot

I buy online from stores for specific items eg curly hair care or fabric. A lot of things were no longer particularly cheap at Amazon and avaable with an online supermarket delivery for no higher cost eg I needed to refresh my supply of moth killer sachets so I ordered some lst time I did a food shop.

Are you really comparing yourself and your friends to Rosa Parks and Gandhi
That's some ego that you have

You boycotting US stuff isn't going to get them to discard the result of the Democratic process and Trump will still be the president for the next 4 years. Seems pretty pointless and quite difficult to avoid all American products and media.

Canceling Netflix is hardly putting you on a par with Gandhi but ok.

Which web browser are you using?

Is this post some sort of rallying call to the masses to join you in your crusade? I can guarantee that you and your several friends boycotting US products will have absolutely no impact whatsoever. But if it makes you feel good and important, then go for it…..

Exactly my thoughts.

She isn't.

You are deliberately twisting her words.

She is pointing out the boycotts and acts of civil disobedience these individuals drew attention too or led which others joined in with caused change.

OP give your DD the money.

Allow her to broaden her horizons.

@CovenOfCheeses i wish your boycotting would make a difference I really do .
Id give your daughter the money don’t go back on your word .

Russia and China are very, very friendly.

I'm sure there's other but my husband had found AliExpress to be a decent alternative.

What does she mean going to support? Is she planning to attend protests @CovenOfCheeses?

I assume you’re not posting using an Apple product OP?

Are you going to refuse all US made medicines as well?

Not watch any American TV? Never see a Hollywood movie again? Eat in McDonalds or buy Cadbury’s chocolate?

It’s virtually impossible to avoid US products. They are used by all of us multiple times a day.

Also; not sure what on earth Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerberg have to do with the actions of the US government.