Maybe you have heard there is an “economic blackout” happening today (February 28). That means no shopping at Amazon, Target, or McDonald’s — and only spending cash at smaller local businesses if you must. The one-day national boycott is part of an effort to take back power from major corporations, many of which have rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Meanwhile, the cost of living has risen and Trump is moving forward with plans to significantly reduce the federal workforce.
Organized by the nonpartisan People’s Union USA, the grassroots campaign has swept social media with public figures like Bette Midler and Stephen King posting in support. “For too long, corporations have treated the American people like an endless source of profit,” John Schwarz, the Chicago-area meditation teacher who founded People’s Union USA, shared on Instagram on Monday. “They raise prices because they can. They pay workers the bare minimum while raking in record profits. They also lobby politicians to keep the system rigged in their favor. But what is it they fear the most? It’s us.”
It’s not yet clear how many are participating. Some have called the effectiveness of the campaign into question, arguing that more targeted and sustained efforts may be needed. “Many customers who support the boycott will shop on Thursday or Saturday and then say they made a difference by not shopping on Friday,” University of Denver finance professor Maclyn Clouse told HuffPost. “The key is persistence and a clear demand for change.” The People’s Union has planned longer and more targeted boycotts, including one against Amazon from March 7 to 14 and against Walmart from April 7 to 14. Another general 24-hour economic blackout has been scheduled for April 18.