Boycott...Target?

[Ghoulish Delight]

In the end, it's all of course so much kabuki.

I think the outrage is understandable in this case. As Alex points out, it's the fact that Target HAS put itself out there as being particularly supportive of the gay community, in turn benefiting from the economic support of those who've appreciated that, which makes it seem like a worse offense than those many corporations for whom being neutral or anti is par for the course. And Emmer is not just one of the many Republicans who just take the default anti-gay marriage position out of popularism. He's an active opponent, aligned with ministry groups with such lovely opinions as, "Of course we don't support the middle eastern countries that execute gays...but boy you gotta admire their commitment to their ideals!" It's a central theme to his politics and his campaign, it's not just a check box on his conservative resume.

Combine those to elements and people are going to make some noise. It's perhaps out of scale, melodramatic, and not 100% logical. But it highlights one of the problems within our system that is presenting a road block for equality, so whether it's perfectly logical or not is kinda irrelevant. The emmotional response to Target's actions is an effective means to an end.

I'm not going to join an ineffective mostly meaningless boycott. But I'll add my voice to those telling Target that they'd prefer they do what they can to put their influence and money behind a better selection of candidates.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I'm not going to join an ineffective mostly meaningless boycott. But I'll add my voice to those telling Target that they'd prefer they do what they can to put their influence and money behind a better selection of candidates.

Complete agreement with this. I have no problem with expressing dissatisfaction. And if dissatisfied I have no problem with a personal decision to take business elsewhere.

I just view organized boycotts as not just ineffective but, in this and similar cases, potentially counterproductive in that it discourages companies from putting themselves at the forefront of social issues if all that will do is mark you for getting most beat up.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

I just view organized boycotts as not just ineffective but, in this and similar cases, potentially counterproductive in that it discourages companies from putting themselves at the forefront of social issues if all that will do is mark you for getting most beat up.

Agreed, however I also completely understand the impetus to turn to boycott. Afterall, why are they making these political contributions to candidates that otherwise disagree with issues they, as a company, have stated they are in sympathy with? Because they feel like those candidates are better for their bottom line. So if their bottom line what they're being guided by, it's the most obvious target if you want to get their attention.