I need a watering can. Not a fancy decorated metal can with a filter in the nozzle, just an ordinary plastic watering can that I can use to supplement the irrigation when the winds blow and the temperatures heat up. I also need a new garden hose.
Normally, in the olden days, before DEI and FFOTUS, I'd stop by Home Depot or Lowes or Target or Amazon and the problem would be solved. But now, with corporations beholden only to stockholders and businesses capitulating to the whims of a deranged agenda, I'm voting with my dollars.
I haven't been in Target since they caved and removed the Gay Pride display from the front of my local store. Home Depot and Lowes lost me when they caved on DEI. Jeff Bezos doesn't need any more of my cash; weaning myself from Amazon is difficult but doable.
I went to Ace Hardware but they had nothing that fit the bill. I went to the nursery, but didn't want to spend $40 on a fancy can or over $100 on a contractor's grade hose.
It's a quandary that has yet to be resolved. But there are other places to shop for most things, and I had two lovely experiences with that this week.
The first was the wording from Costco, when activist shareholders wanted them to remove DEI from the workplace. The board said it "has considered this proposal and believes our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary."
I don't have to feel guilty about rotisserie chicken or roses or my garden supplies if they have them.
The second was walking into Dicks Sporting Goods on Monday to buy SIR the sneakers he wants for his birthday. I was greeted with a big, colorful poster standing in the entryway. There were many words but the intent was clear - the world is made up of a variety of people and you are all welcome here.
\I felt very good about spending those birthday dollars.
Acting on principle is difficult. It probably doesn't matter in the case of one woman in Arizona deciding not to go to Target. But foot traffic is down and so are their profits, so I'm obviously not the only one using my spending to make a point.
If only I could find what I need where I want to buy it.
Please don't fall into the trap of feeling that your boycott is a drop in the bucket. That is the entire point - that each of us makes the difference. My sister has always poked fun at my boycotts by saying I'm bringing them to their knees. Ok, sure, the businesses still go on. But they do suffer from the bad press, the reduced profits, etc. Sorry to add to your woes, but my beloved Ace Hardware is also on the boycott list. I'm fortunate to have a family-owned hardware store in my greater metropolitan area (I have to drive 20-30 minutes to get there!). I worry that they might be under the radar Maga, but in the absence of the information, I still buy from them.
ReplyDeleteNina
I had no trouble giving up Amazon and Target - but Walmart is a different story. I can stop shopping there during the boycott weeks but I just can't give them up, I need to be able to shop somewhere.
ReplyDeleteWow. You are dedicated to your causes. I cannot give up Home Depot or Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI just came across this website.
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