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So yesterday, I got into a little exchange of ideas with one @DavidStaplesYEG who was expressing displeasure in a “ban list” of businesses that expressly support the UCP. I enjoy conversing with David, as we are generally on opposite ends of ideas, and this was no exception. 1/
He (& others in the discussion) decried the list as “gross,” “destructive,” “sad,” & a sign of further erosion of public discourse, etc.
I said political boycotting has been a tool at our disposal since our democracy was formed. Anyone has the right to shop where they wish. 2/
I said political boycotting has been a tool at our disposal since our democracy was formed. Anyone has the right to shop where they wish. 2/
I got decried by the usual crowd, taunted as a “leftie clown.”. As happens in these discussions, but I understand. It doesn’t bother me, I have a lot of empathy for people who are stuck in a place they don’t like or understand. Fear looks like anger most of the time. Anyways- 3/
Back to the discussion at hand. What fascinates me- truly fascinates me- is almost every one of these people who are outraged or jeering at the concept of not supporting a business for political leanings HAVE DONE SO THEMSELVES. Staples, himself, included. See below. 4/
Look- I make no bones about the fact I am a pretty political person. Anyone who knows me, knows this. Inherently, my decisions are obviously informed by my own political opinions. Would I stay at a trump hotel?! Not in a million years. Do I buy clothes made in sweatshops? No. 5/
Further to that, what interests me greatly about this dialogue is the championing of free speech. A value both @DavidStaplesYEG and I share. A critical part of freedom of speech includes freedom to spend where you want to spend, correct? This IS about freedom of choice. 6/
I’m curious: how many people “vote with their wallets;” that is to say, if a business publicly employed practices you don’t like, had production methods you don’t agree with, or donated large sums to a political party you fundamentally disagree with, would you shop there? 7/
Thank you, @DavidStaplesYEG, for the ongoing exchange of ideas. We both value freedom of speech and expression, within limits of course.
As always, I believe self-awareness of our own biases and inherent perspectives is a key part of these conversations.
- fin
As always, I believe self-awareness of our own biases and inherent perspectives is a key part of these conversations.
- fin
