Today, February 28, the United States faces a “economic blackout ”. The popular movement The People’s Uniondedicated to economic resistance, government accountability and corporate reform, is mobilizing consumers so that, precisely, they do not consume.
Propose a “Economic Blackout” To demonstrate to the system “who really has power” For a few weeks they are inviting US citizens not to make any purchase between February 12 and 12 AM of February 28, thus creating 24 hours of absence of consumption.
“Do not make any purchase. Do not buy online or stores. Do not buy at Amazon, Walmart or Best Buy. Anywhere!“They comment on their website.”Do not spend “money on fast food, gasoline, large retailers. Do not use credit or debit cards for non -essential expenses”
If it is inevitable to buy, they encourage doing it in local businesses
However, among the rules for the “anticonsum” event that promotes they point out that it is acceptable buy the essential or absolutely necessarysuch as foods, medications or emergency supplies, and to do so, better in small local businesses.
The reason for the call responds to the complexity of the economic context, characterized by the permanent inflation, the high cost of the house, or the very high prices They have registered some basic products, such as eggs. Specifically, in that case, the aviar flu outbreak has generated supply problems and high the average price of the dozen up to $ 4.95 in January, duplicating in some shops.
“Corporations and banks only care about their results. If we disturbed the economy for just one day, we will send a powerful message”, Comment from The People’s Union. “If they do not listen to us (they will not), we will make the next blackout longer (we will do it). This is our first action. This is how we make history”
John Schwarz, a visible face of the movement, has been transferring the message through Instagram and Tiktok, where he gathers more than half a million followers. “Throughout our life they have told us that we have no choice … that we have to accept these demential prices, corporate greed, the tax exemptions of billionaires, all while we fight simply to survive ”he has commented on social networks.
The movement aims to encourage, relying on the power of social networks, a feeling that has settled among US citizens. And they consider that lThe great corporations are demonstrating a greedy attitude, generating millions in income, at a time when the average citizen finds difficulties to get ahead.
Beyond the proposed economic blackout for this February 28, the movement is also encouraging similar initiatives. Specifically, you are already planning an anti -consumption boycott against Amazon of a week, between March 7 and 14; against Nestlé (from March 21 to 28); against Walmart (April 7 to 13) and against General Mills (from April 21 to 27). It also has scheduled other 24 -hour economic blackouts on March 28 and April 18.
This economic blackout adds to others promoted by consumer groups or associations to protest against the high cost of life, and also to criticize the turn that many companies have given to their diversity and inclusion policies Since Donald Trump was officially appointed president of the United States.
This is not the first social movement that encourages the reduction or elimination of consumption. The “No Buy” trend, For example, it invites users to adjust their budgets and avoid spending on products not necessary, mainly clothing, makeup, technology, perfumes, home decoration, subscriptions to services or meals away from home.
It will remain the monitoring that consumers will make of the call and the real effect of the boycott. In this case, not being focused on a specific company, it will be more complex to analyze the result of the initiative, although other previous similar actions have impacted more on the image and perception of the brand than in its sales.
