People are often told they should participate in this or that social action: wear a coloured shirt or ribbon, fill out a survey or sign a petition, etc. These are generally low-key, ‘one-and-done actions. They require little effort, but make us feel like we are doing something constructive. Other actions, such as a boycott, require long-term dedication and diligence to be effective. In my experience, while people are all for participation in such actions at first, they are less enthusiastic and diligent as time progresses, or when it is more convenient – the exact times when action is most important.
Case in point: since the rise of MAGA 2.0, the imposition of (illegal) tariffs and such, Canadians have started boycotting American Businesses and buying Canadian. At first, Canadians were largely in solidarity about this. American companies felt the loss of revenue, as did formerly popular tourist destinations. However, over time, people started paying less attention to where products were made. The shop Canadian movement is still a thing, but it has become less urgent in people’s minds. ( I have caught myself also not paying attention, and consciously made the effort to go back to paying attention.)
Boycott fatigue is one problem that erodes the effectiveness of a movement. The second occurs when we decide to do what is easy or convenient rather than putting in the effort to find an alternative. The most common example is Amazon. It is so easy to order from them rather than looking for another store or going to a crowded mall. But if we really want to stand for Canada first, we have to do the work. We need to go to malls, support local businesses, and even pay more (since price is the other way Amazon lures us in). Because if we decided to shop at Amazon – or similar US Megastores – ‘just this once’, every time it is easier, we are just shopping as usual, rather than being part of the boycott
That isn’t to say there can be no exception. But an exception must be just that – exceptional. Something important to us that cannot be obtained any other way. A need or strong want, for a specific reason. Not just something that we’d like to have. For example, my main passion and hobby is Zentangle. Yes, this comes from the US, but I believe the benefits to mental health, wellness and the overall philosophy of positivity and empowerment make it a worthy exception. There are many things on Amazon (and other US sites) that I want, but because they are only things I want (rather than need), I will not purchase them.
Finally, no one is required to join a cause, whether it’s a boycott or any other social action. We all have different levels of social conscience, and not all causes will resonate equally with us. My point isn’t to jump on every bandwagon, but if you do, do it properly, not just as it is easy or convenient for you. And if you don’t want to join- fine. Just be honest enough to say that. Because if we make ‘exceptions’ every time we want an easy out, we may as well not do anything at all.
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