To think about boycotting American products and services

[Taytoface]

I feel so helpless in the current madness. It seems like the only act of objection possible is not buying american. Boycotting Israeli products, and South African back in the day, was relatively straightforward, but I have no clue how to de americanise my life. Anyone come across any helpful resources?

I’m not going to change the world but when I can make small substitutions for US products it cheers me up. For instance, I don’t drink Coke but DH does, so I stopped buying Coke and now buy Fentimans cola. I don’t buy Ben & Jerrys but look for UK brands. In the biscuit aisle I go for Tunnocks, Border etc I don’t go to Starbucks/Costa/Pret but look for independent coffee shops etc. I’m sure plenty of things slip through the net and obviously tech, banking etc but being mindful when I am shopping is a tiny gesture. And obviously I will not be travelling to the US or flying anywhere on a US airline.

The more the merrier.
I hadn't twigged about Estee Lauder (subsidiaries) before this thread so I've learned something from OP's virtue! Go OP!

I don't see it as naive or simplistic. As an ordinary non-US person the only power you have is in your pocket.

If as you say, amazon in the uk or proctor and gamble or gilette or whatever takes a hit I don't give a stuff because that can only ultimately help UK and eu companies. All those multinationals have been completely craven in the face of Trump just like similar companies (hello IBM and Ford) were with Hitler.

If you don't want to support what is really a disgusting kleptocratic woman hating regime then all you can do is use your money. I've never mentioned it in real life and only once on here but we're just doing it and I expect we're not alone.

Actually investing in the US (wait for that ai bubble to pop!) as you suggest seems to be the exact opposite of what I'd want to do - literally profiting from the regime whilst it is killing people in the street.

Why do you need to know if someone is boycotting something? It's an individual choice.

People even if they know the origin of things they buy, don't generally boycott in the UK. South African produce was only boycotted by a small amount of people from my recollection.

All excellent and I also only buy British and go to independent shops/coffee shops, but I will say Ben & Jerrys is a great company (imo) in terms of their values and causes they support.

Exactly

You really don’t. It was a rhetorical question. How do you know if someone is boycotting something? They’ll usually tell you.

I feel sorry for all the people across the world working for these companies that just want to earn a living to support their families. I’ve got a few friends working in Amazon UK and I’d hate to see them suffer because people don’t agree with the American Government.

Will you give up Netflix?

1.5 million people in the UK work for US companies. I am one of them. I am not going to shoot myslef in the foot by boycotting the U.S.!

Why have Facebook? Surely that’s the first to go.

Mumsnet use Amazon so you’re still using them.

Best thing IMO would be a mass boycott of holidays in America, perhaps especially the likes of Disneyland. Imagine if arrivals from Europe inc. of course UK, were down 50%? That would surely have an impact.

So many nasty people on mumsnet.
It is perfectly possible to communicate your views disagreeing with the OP without sneering.

We as a nation are going to suffer if Trump puts tariffs on us. Thats all of us.

If US business does not like Trump’s international effect on their business they can do what they usually do and lobby and stop it. It’s their bottom line.

Blimey. I knew Trump had got the idea from a billionaire friend.

I had no idea the billionaire's money came from inheriting Estée Lauder.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ronald-lauder-donald-trump-greenland-b2676094.html

Well I admire the thinking but practically impossible in reality. What a pity that we have become so reliant on the US that we have to kowtow to them and the Orange Clown.

I absolutely agree and I am also aware that they are now owned by Unilever, a UK owned corporation who sadly do not seem interested in upholding those values - it is a difficult one but there are good small UK manufacturers of ice cream and most other things I might previously have bought.And of course were very lucky in the UK to have such a wide range of options.

How do you think women got the vote?

I downloaded it the other day. Detrumpify yourself. It’s quite interesting to see who owns companies and their parent companies even if boycotting does little. Ironically, I’m using it on my Apple phone of course.

What is it called?

You'll need to stop listening to most music (even if its not performed by an american its quite likely a US songwriter and/or producer will be involved).
Sell your apple products if you have any.
Avoid Prime, Disney & Netflix etc.
Check where any pharmceuticals you take originate.
Facebook/Instagram/WhatsAp/X/Google

But it only worked because they previously bought a LOT of it & it was a well organised plan.

a few women not buying Estée Lauder is not the same thing.

But as pointed out, the expanse of American goods and services is so vast that it'd make little difference to anything.

People have cited Canadians boycotting bourbon, but that's a specific market.