Image: OKA Blog
Retailers across the U.S. are cutting DEI initiatives due to political pressure, with Target and Walmart being two of the biggest names. Target’s decision was especially surprising since they had just promoted their commitment to diversity before the election.
A few weeks ago, influencer and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown urged people not to boycott Target entirely. Instead, she encouraged them to shop there but only buy from Black-owned brands. Her concern? A full boycott could hurt small Black-owned businesses that rely on Target to reach more customers.
But some of her followers disagreed, calling her stance selfish. They argue that corporations like Target and Walmart still profit from consumers of color, making selective shopping ineffective. Others believe boycotts work best when they completely disrupt the system—just like the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the Civil Rights Movement. Their actions weren’t about finding convenient middle grounds; they were about collective, often uncomfortable disruption to demand change. A bold, unified stand can force companies to change, but it often comes at a cost.
It's hard for some to know the right move. Consumers have to consider whether the short-term sacrifices of a boycott outweigh the potential long-term gains. And if change requires disruption, how do consumers make the Targets, Walmarts, and Amazons of the world feel the pressure without giving in to convenience?
Notes to help inform your opinions:
What is DEI?
Let’s Write!: Thoughts?
A few weeks ago, influencer and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown urged people not to boycott Target entirely. Instead, she encouraged them to shop there but only buy from Black-owned brands. Her concern? A full boycott could hurt small Black-owned businesses that rely on Target to reach more customers.
But some of her followers disagreed, calling her stance selfish. They argue that corporations like Target and Walmart still profit from consumers of color, making selective shopping ineffective. Others believe boycotts work best when they completely disrupt the system—just like the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the Civil Rights Movement. Their actions weren’t about finding convenient middle grounds; they were about collective, often uncomfortable disruption to demand change. A bold, unified stand can force companies to change, but it often comes at a cost.
It's hard for some to know the right move. Consumers have to consider whether the short-term sacrifices of a boycott outweigh the potential long-term gains. And if change requires disruption, how do consumers make the Targets, Walmarts, and Amazons of the world feel the pressure without giving in to convenience?
Notes to help inform your opinions:
What is DEI?
- Diversity is embracing the differences everyone brings to the table, whether those are someone’s race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability or other aspects of social identity.
- Equity is treating everyone fairly and providing equal opportunities.
- Inclusion is respecting everyone’s voice and creating a culture in which people from all backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives.
Let’s Write!: Thoughts?
INSTRUCTIONS
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., February 9, 11:59 p.m. CST
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., February 9, 11:59 p.m. CST
RSS Feed