Boycotts

There have been a lot of attempts to organize wide spread boycotts of retail or other services. Many of these attempts have failed or never got off of the ground. I have a couple of opinions on why they have failed and what we can do about it.

• Many of the attempts have failed because of poor planning and organization. Whether it's because the date is set to soon and to reactionary, or because the focus is to wide spread.
• While we may raise our nose at having  that "one" black leader anymore, it does help to have a central point for organizational purposes.
• We continually see many people suggest different dates and retailers or services to boycott, which leads to confusion and a breakdown of solidarity which is central to any boycott.
• The type of retailers, services or actions suggested for boycotting are not conducive to change.
• Boycotting gas for a day, only to have to buy that same gas later on is not meaningful or lasting.
• Same with retailers who provide food, even those such as Walmart or Target.
• Stay at home boycotts only work for those with enough savings to risk termination.
• Even during the Selma bus boycotts, people still made it to work.

My suggestions to make a lasting and powerful boycott work.

• A central point of organization. Whether that’s a particular person or an organization, we need to coalesce around something or someone.
• We need to set a date far enough in future to allow for good organization, planning and publicity.
• We should narrow the focus of the boycott to one retailer, service or action.
• The selected subject of the boycott must have the ability to enact or advocate strongly for change once they feel the effects of the boycott.
• Last we must be careful of damaging our own in the process. This will be hard, because the impact of boycotting a specific service or company could lead to hurting those at the bottom of the ladder, which is sadly still held by many minorities.

 

So, what is my suggestion for a company to boycott?….Nike. 

For a couple of reasons:

• They came to fame on the back of black athletes, glamorizing and exploiting the need to be cool. Anyone remember "Is it the shoes?". No it wasn’t. It was athletes that worked hard, on and off the field to maximize their talents.
• They continue to exploit this with almost every sneaker release. Some will argue its only capitalism working at its best and you can chose to buy them or not. Well that’s what we would be doing.
• While people need food, gas and jobs, no one needs a pair of $200 sneakers. This is not to say you shouldn’t buy them if you want to, or have the means, but that they are something people can live without for an extended period of time.
• Nike has the financial and political means to advocate for change. They are international. They have tentacles in almost every sport around the world. From professional teams to youth organizations.
• Some will say, people will just buy nice shoes from other companies. In an attempt to keep the boycott narrow and focused, I would still make Nike the primary subject, while advocating not to buy high priced sneakers from other companies.
• But, what about damaging you own?
• Yes, there are many of our people employed at lower level positions at retail locations and such…There are also plenty of other items to buy in those stores not produced by Nike or very expensive.

Fair, balanced and constructive comments or suggestions are welcomed.