A grassroots initiative, the People’s Union USA, is urging U.S. citizens to abstain from spending on an upcoming Friday, marking it as an “economic blackout.” This protest is against the perceived detrimental influence of billionaires, large corporations, and political parties on the hard-working populace. As part of this movement, the group also champions ongoing boycotts against major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, encouraging consumers to support small businesses instead.
The economic blackout is set to unfold from midnight to midnight, with participants asked to refrain from all purchases, especially from larger chains. John Schwarz, the organisation’s founder, emphasises community over political loyalties, striving for collective action that resonates through social media as the term ‘economic blackout’ gains traction.
Simultaneously, various activists are planning targeted boycotts against specific companies, especially in response to backtracking on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Target, for instance, faces heightened scrutiny from faith leaders and advocates, rallying supporters to participate in a campaign during Lent, commencing this week.
Prominent figures, such as the Rev. Al Sharpton, also join the effort to identify additional corporations that may face boycotts due to their recent decisions affecting DEI programmes. This collective movement underscores a brewing tension as communities unify their economic voices to challenge corporate decisions and political manoeuvres from leaders like Trump, who aims to eliminate DEI federal initiatives.
Experts suggest the impact of the economic blackout could slightly pinch retailers already navigating challenges due to renewed consumer inflation and political pressures. Nevertheless, analysts predict minimal long-term effects, with potential sales declines more likely observed in liberal urban centres rather than nationwide.
While similar boycotts have delivered varied results, such as a sales drop for Target due to backlash over LGBTQ+ pride merchandise or Goya’s temporary sales increase post-Trump, the outlook remains uncertain. Consumer reactions can pivot quickly, showcasing the dynamic nature of public sentiment and purchasing power in response to corporate conduct.
Afya Evans, a political consultant, expresses optimism about the blackout, emphasizing the importance of community participation. “It’s a broader thing. We want to see what the impact is,” she states, underscoring a desire for collective determination and change within consumer habits and corporate accountability.
A grassroots group, the People’s Union USA, is launching a 24-hour ‘economic blackout’ on a Friday, encouraging U.S. citizens to avoid consumer spending. The initiative protests the influence of billionaires and corporations on working Americans. Alongside this, targeted boycotts against retailers like Walmart and Target are being organized due to their reductions in diversity initiatives. Experts are divided on the blackout’s potential impact on sales.
In summary, the People’s Union USA is spearheading a significant economic blackout to urge consumers to abstain from spending, particularly at large corporations. This grassroots action aligns with broader movements rejecting corporate backslides in diversity efforts, aiming to unite voices for meaningful change. Experts weigh in on the potential impact, suggesting that while immediate effects may be limited, consumer solidarity could reshape corporate strategies, making it a noteworthy moment in activism.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
