We live in a “Consumers’ Republic,” where one’s ability to engage in commercial consumption may even be a more defining feature of citizenship than voting. Culturally, we view everything in terms of money and goods. Often, the goal of our education is to train us in the best ways to acquire wealth in our jobs rather than being conscious and active citizens. And what should we do with that money? Buy things, of course!
For the vast majority of Americans, the Consumers’ Republic is inescapable. It's shoved in our faces through incessant advertisement, popular culture, social media and social structure. In a country where ethically dubious monopolies control a majority of products, it's easy to become the infrastructure that allows these corrupt corporations to thrive. However, we also have unique power as citizen consumers. These companies cannot survive without us.
Consequently, boycotts have the potential to be incredibly influential in the fight against both injustice domestically and in foreign conflicts. While global horrors around the world may seem far removed, through ethical consumer practices, we can make a difference.
One facet that has increased education on ethical consumption is the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. BDS is Palestinian-led and urges citizens to use their economic purchasing power to force Israel to comply with international law end its regime of settler colonialism, apartheid and genocide.
BDS supports boycotts of companies like McDonald’s, Coca Cola and Burger King because they have “openly supported apartheid Israel” or “provided generous in-kind donations to the Israeli military amid the current genocide.” The movement also actively calls for pressure campaigns against Amazon, Google and Expedia.
The first step to ethical consumption is to educate the public on which companies have ties to genocide, climate change and worker exploitation. To that end, there are a plethora of boycott resources. The app, No Thanks, for example, contains a comprehensive list of companies that support Israel. BDS partnered with the application, Boycat, which provides an even broader ethical shopping guide.
The second step is the expansion of the alternative market. On Nov. 19, the Progressives at Cornell, Arab Student Association, MECA at Cornell and Kashmiri Cultural Alliance hosted an event featuring representatives from Salaam Cola, an ethical alternative to mainstream soft drinks.
The company was founded by Aykiz Shah with the belief “that business can be a force for good.” To that aim, Salaam Cola sends 10 percent of its revenue to humanitarian causes regardless of the profit margins. In Palestine, they provide food and water to families struggling to survive. Hundreds of students get their education through Salaam Cola charity alone.
Different flavors signify different relief efforts. Yemonade, for example, provides medical assistance to children suffering from malnutrition in Yemen.
“Our greatest selling point is that we are providing an alternative that gives back and also tastes really good,” said Salaam Cola representatives Avars Taha and Saah Ahmad at the event. “The only way the boycott works is if you have an alternative. If you’re craving a Coke or something fizzy to drink with your food, you can have Salaam Cola.”
Another key aspect of ethical consumption is its importance to solidarity with the labor movement. You must never, ever cross a picket line. Educate yourself on current strikes and use your consumer power to support them.
Right now, Starbucks Workers United is on the picket line for the “Red Cup Rebellion,” a massive strike against Starbucks’ unjust labor practices, including union busting and refusing workers’ demands for higher pay, better staffing and resolutions for outstanding unfair labor practice charges.
Although not on the BDS list, Starbucks has become an emblem of the pro-Palestinian boycott. In 2023, Starbucks sued Starbucks Workers United over a solidarity tweet with the Palestinian cause. In a letter to Starbucks, Workers United President Lynne Fox wrote that “Starbucks is seeking to exploit the ongoing tragedy in the Middle East to bolster the company’s anti-union campaign.” By refusing to buy from Starbucks, you can support both the labor and Palestine movement at once — all our struggles have connection.
Boycotts are not possible for everyone. It requires a certain amount of time and resources to research and afford alternatives. However, there are still millions of middle-class Americans who have the money, they just need the conscience. If enough individuals take collective action, they can make a difference. Starbucks, McDonald’s and Coca Cola have seen financial losses due to boycotts in the US and the Middle East.
“Sometimes as individuals we feel powerless against billion, trillion dollar organizations. But if we can advocate and spread awareness, we can hold those corporations and governments accountable. So don’t ever forget that power and responsibility that you as individuals hold,” said Avars Taha and Saah Ahmad at the end of the Salaam Cola event.
All things considered, boycotts are one of the easiest actions a person can take. It’s not public, it will not jeopardize your career. If you are not willing to march in the streets to protest genocide, union busting, worker exploitation and unethical production, the least you can do is stop financially supporting such practices. Remember that real people suffer horrifically as a result of these companies; you should be able to “sacrifice” your cravings and stop buying from them. We can make injustice unprofitable, which is the only way the ruling forces of capitalism will ever listen to us.
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Mina Petrova '29 is a Freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences studying English, History, and Government. Her fortnightly column ‘North Star’ studies the past and critiques the present, focusing on politics, protests and activism that strive toward a more equitable future. She can be reached at mpetrova@cornellsun.com.
