Citizens Boycott Big Tech, Embrace DVDs and Public Transit to Oppose ICE
A growing movement across the United States is witnessing citizens boycott major tech companies, advocating for a stand against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This initiative has led individuals to embrace alternative entertainment and transportation modes while pushing for change in immigration policies under the Trump administration.
Campaign Overview: Resist and Unsubscribe
The “Resist and Unsubscribe” campaign launched by prominent podcaster Scott Galloway has gained momentum. Galloway voiced concerns over the Trump administration’s response to immigration-related protests, especially following incidents in Minneapolis where federal officers fatally shot U.S. citizens.
The campaign’s goal is to challenge tech companies perceived to be complicit in government enforcement efforts. Recently, calls for boycotting Target, based in Minneapolis, have intensified. Activists demand the retailer take a public stance against ICE.
Consumer Actions Across the Country
- Brittany Trahan from Portland, Oregon, has chosen DVDs over subscriptions to Netflix and Apple TV.
- Lisa Shannon, also from Portland, now relies on public transit instead of Uber services.
- In McDonough, Georgia, Brian Seymour II supports local businesses rather than shopping on Amazon.
Many participants, like Trahan, feel empowered by the movement, expressing a desire for significant changes. They hope that disengaging from these tech companies will apply financial pressure on policies they oppose.
Impact of the Boycott
On the first day of the boycott, Galloway’s website attracted around 250,000 unique page views, signaling substantial public interest. Analysts have noted that boycotts can damage company reputations more than immediate profits, especially if they are sustained over time.
Experts suggest that success hinges on offering alternative options to consumers. For now, many have found joy in exploring local shops and returning to older forms of entertainment, such as DVDs.
Personal Experiences and Insights
- Shannon abandoned Amazon Prime after discovering its financial ties to a documentary about Melania Trump.
- Seymour’s boycott unveiled opportunities for fulfilling local shopping experiences.
- Other participants report feeling liberated by unsubscribing from numerous platforms, including Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max.
With the boycott slated to last one month, some participants express doubts about its longevity. Galloway acknowledges their concerns and emphasizes the importance of individual decision-making in the campaign.
The Broader Context
This movement aligns with previous boycotts during Trump’s administration, where Canadian consumers avoided American products over tariffs, and Tesla owners protested Musk’s political ties. As consumers engage in diverse forms of resistance, the conversation continues about the profound effect of financial choices on political discourse.
As the month progresses, both participants and observers will closely monitor the movement’s impact on these tech giants and the broader fight against ICE’s controversial operations.
