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?
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REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
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Due Fri., February 9, 11:59 p.m. CST