Consumer Boycotts

[Desertrose2023]

I posted the BDS list in the supporting Palestinian businesses thread and recent discussion on another thread re the backlash against Zara got me wondering how many others are participating in consumer boycotts linked to the conflict in Gaza (and the occupation in Palestine) or for different reasons.

there are a number of brands I’m boycotting usually for a mix of reasons, political, environmental and social. Interested to hear views from others.

Disclaimer: to avoid any misinterpretation or twisting of my words - I do not support any acts of violence or vandalism or boycotting based on religion/ethnicity.

all the ones on the BDS committee list

https://bdsmovement.net/

in addition to a few others (sample below)

Starbucks: overpriced shit coffee and they recently sued their union for tweeting in support/solidarity with Palestine.

Zara: I stopped buying stuff following the controversy of their head womenswear designer making disgusting anti-Palestinian comments. The reports of slave labour (Uyghurs and in Brazil) plus the recent tone deaf ad campaign was the final straw. Plus trying to be more conscious re reducing how much ‘fast fashion’ I buy anyway.

Nestle: a history of unethical corporate practices plus including ownership of an Israeli food company with production in OPT.

I would be boycotting Palestinian products, inventions, and brands but I can't seem to find any.

Why?

That is the Hamas guy and not the BDS movement? Are you trying to conflate the two?

They’ve had $12billion wiped off their value, but yes let’s form a view of the impact of boycotts based on a couple of branches you visited on the weekend. Sounds sensible.

I agree with @noblegiraffe that the language is problematic with that group. Referring to Palestine with no mention of Israel is similar to Netanyahu holding up his new map of the middle east with no Palestine.

It is blackmail. The customers are threatening to close their accounts if we don't change our policies. And have even walked into our branches to confront staff. Nothing is going to happen on the back of half a dozen emails and a couple of branch visits.. But they absolutely have the right to take their banking elsewhere of course.

How many of you boycott Shein and other companies based in China who are not exactly known for the exemplary human rights record nor for their high ecological standards?

But it’s okay to buy from them because their products are cheap

@Livelovebehappy Yes, business must respect consumer choice and not pressure them to stay, so it's good you don't argue with them - that would be unethical.

@gingergran refer to my post upthread about it not being possible to be 100% perfect. I avoid as far as possible certain brands, this includes Shein and other companies that have unethical practices.

I do actually. Never bought anything from Shein and never will.

Let me know if you do find any. Definitely something I would be interested in...

I've never bought anything from Shein or similar companies.

You work in customer complaints yet seem shocked at customers complaining.

🤷‍♀️

@gingergran Me too. Lots of ethical issues with goods made in China.

This is currently what the situation is in Gaza and the West Bank. Do people really think a one state solution were the Palestinians are in charged with far any better for the Palestinians citizens? Do they really think that Israeli Jews and Arabs should be subject to living like this too?

Call me crazy but even a two state solution needs to have better leadership and more rights for Palestinian citizens. Not to mention it needs to be more inclusive to Christians and Jewish people. It cannot be back to dhimmi status for non Muslims.

Thanks for this OP. I think it is really important that we shop as ethically as we can and watch what our money funds. If governments won't do the right thing and sanction Israel it's great for consumers to be aware of what they can do.

That is the Hamas guy and not the BDS movement

Yes it’s the leader of Hamas isn’t it? What does he have to do with this BDS organisation?

You were complaining today about people derailing threads in another thread. Please , if you want to talk about one state solution open your own thread.

I’m actively supporting any Israeli businesses I can.

Backing aggressors is not in my nature.

Yes I believe boohoo and some others are equally vile in terms of labour practices and environmental impact etc. there was a documentary a while back on fast fashion practices, I think it was on the BBC but I can’t remember the name of it. The presenter went to Bangladesh and reported on the human and environmental cost. Then tried asking a number of really big retailers (eg Primark) to
clarify their positions etc and got some really vague/ dodgy responses from the ones that even agreed to talk to her. Really changed the way I shopped for clothes after seeing it.

Did you mean to come across as so racist?

How kind Israel is, unless you are Palestinian.

I will never knowing buy from any company connected with Israel again

It's not racist. Yes, I meant every word.