A nationwide economic blackout took place Feb. 28, with people encouraging consumers to not purchase anything for a 24-hour period. The goal was simple: to boycott major retailers that had pulled back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. By halting purchases for a single day, the idea was to show that without consumer spending, the economy could feel a significant shift.
But instead of limiting ourselves to a one-day blackout, why not make it a habit to shop locally all year? Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and supporting them year-round can send a much stronger message about where our true power lies. By shifting our spending habits toward local businesses, we not only strengthen local economies but also keep wealth within our neighborhoods, encouraging shared responsibility and growth.
The idea of withholding purchases for one day may seem bold, but there’s a key question that lingers: what about small businesses? What impact will a one-day protest truly have on the giants of online shopping and corporate interests? While large corporations might feel a minor economic pinch, the effect would likely be minimal. On the other hand, small businesses already operate on tight margins, and a single day without sales could set them back for weeks, if not months. Large corporations, especially e-commerce giants, might barely notice a drop in sales. Their global reach and large infrastructure are built to take the hit. Online shopping giants will likely experience a temporary dip, but one day of no spending won’t disrupt their momentum.
But here’s the interesting part: people already know their collective power. It’s been evident in recent years as movements have gained momentum. Consumers understand that as taxpayers and shoppers, they can make a difference when they act together. Life has conditioned us to focus on survival – paying bills, securing housing, and putting food on the table. In this constant struggle, it can feel nearly impossible to challenge powerful institutions. We’ve been conditioned to value money above all else, and for many, it’s hard to imagine a world where we’re not tethered to it.
Yet, we must remember this important truth: people create the things we use. Money is just a tool, a representation of value, but it doesn’t define our worth or our power to make change. The challenge is shifting our mindset and recognizing that our collective strength isn’t just about dollars – it’s about standing together. To truly challenge power, though, requires more than symbolic gestures. It requires consistent action, careful consideration of the impact on these industries (especially small businesses), and a deeper understanding of how movements can create change without causing harm. These may be far-fetched ideals and even childish … but history has shown that many of the most seemingly silly ideas are the ones that spark the biggest changes.
