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Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 12:07:20 AM   
LizDeluxe


Posts: 687
Joined: 10/2/2011
Status: offline 		I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. Let's suppose there is a business in your area who is the very best in your area for whatever product or service they provide. For the purposes of this discussion it really doesn't matter what their business is. Could be a restaurant or an automobile repair shop or a florist. They provide the best service and price and product. Maybe you've never shopped there before or maybe you are already a regular customer. Nobody else in town can touch them.

One day you find out that the owner's political affiliations and beliefs are the polar opposite of yours. We're not talking about them doing anything unethical or immoral or illegal in the course of their business. Nothing like racism or prejudice. Just their basic political views. The sort of stuff we discuss here in P&R.

Would you decline doing business with them or cease doing any further business with them simply because they had different political beliefs than you even if there was nobody in your area who could provide the same quality product or service who was cut from the same political fabric as you? Truthfully, unless you carefully voir dire every prospective business you patronize you probably already do business with someone who is the polar opposite of you politically.

Just curious.


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While is there no liberal talk radio? There are at least five conservative talk radio shows available over the air every day in the radio market I live in. Why does the liberal message fail to attract listeners?
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 12:35:03 AM   
theshytype


Posts: 1600
Status: offline 		No. That would not affect my shopping there. Actually, I'd be screwed and wouldn't be able to shop many places at all if that were the case and usually assume they are at the opposite end due to my location. I do tend to stay out of political discussion with most everyone because it does affect how I view a person a little.
When I spend my money, I'm more concerned with where the products come from, how they treat their employees, the quality of the product(s), those sorts of things. I try to stick to small businesses that support the local economy because that's what affects me most. What they choose to support with their personal income is none of my business.
Now, if the business was openly and adamantly against something I believe in, I may rethink. Usually, though, I've only ever seen larger corporations or chains do that and I do not shop at those businesses for a variety of reasons.

(in reply to LizDeluxe)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 12:45:25 AM   
tweakabelle


Posts: 7522
Joined: 10/16/2007
From: Sydney Australia
Status: offline 		In my case, I do avoid spending my hard-earned on businesses whose owners or philosophy is a polar opposite of mine. Some of the time it is just obtaining any goods or services I might want elsewhere. I can't recall any occasion where I have been forced to do business with an enterprise I would otherwise avoid - there always seems to be an alternative one around, even if it means paying a little bit more. One example is I never use the GloriaJane's coffee shop chain as they are very close to a fundamentalist religious outfit - Hillsong Church ( I think it's called the Assembly of God churches in the USA)

Other times, it can be part of an organised boycott eg. I participate in the BDS movement which boycotts all products made in Occupied Palestine, or companies that profit from the Occupation. I also participate in the academic boycott of Israel. I urge everyone to think about joining the boycott too.

I see no reason why my consumer $ has to go to anyone whose views are incompatible with mine. For mine it is a small but useful gesture of opposition.

< Message edited by tweakabelle -- 5/5/2013 12:50:38 AM >

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 1:07:21 AM   
Powergamz1


Posts: 1927
Joined: 9/3/2011
Status: offline 		How much of your nose are you willing to cut off to spite your face?

Would I refuse to go to the best cancer treatment center in the area because I saw a bumper sticker I didn't like in the staff parking lot? Not fucking likely.

Would I switch coffee shops if the owner kept the talk radio stooges blaring on the radio? Very fucking likely.

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" About damn time...wooot!!' Me

(in reply to tweakabelle)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 1:52:34 AM   
thezeppo


Posts: 441
Joined: 11/15/2012
Status: offline 		I would possibly stop going if the shopowner was my polar opposite on environmental politics and that had an impact on the way they did business. Other than that it wouldn't make any difference to me.

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 3:37:48 AM   
WantsOfTheFlesh


Posts: 1226
Joined: 3/3/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: LizDeluxe
One day you find out that the owner's political affiliations and beliefs are the polar opposite of yours. We're not talking about them doing anything unethical or immoral or illegal in the course of their business. Nothing like racism or prejudice. Just their basic political views. The sort of stuff we discuss here in P&R.

i reckon it would be discriminatory to take patronage from folks ya disagree wit. goes against tha pluralist principles of democracy.

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"I had lot's of luck but its all been bad"

(in reply to LizDeluxe)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 6:52:03 AM   
DomKen


Posts: 19457
Joined: 7/4/2004
From: Chicago, IL
Status: offline 		FR

The only time it affects my spending is if I know they donate money to causes I strongly oppose. So I never buy Amway or Domino's pizza.

(in reply to WantsOfTheFlesh)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 6:58:05 AM   
DarkSteven


Posts: 28072
Joined: 5/2/2008
Status: offline 		I have boycotted Subway ever since they bankrolled the hit piece on Kerry, Stolen Honor.

I have more issues with a company whose actual operating practices are counter to my beliefs, than one that simply contributes money.

The classic instance of this is the Catholic church. How many Catholics will refuse to continue to patronize it if they feel it's lost its way? For that matter, the Tea Party and the moderates both feel that the GOP has an obligation to support their views and there's an implicit threat of withdrawing otherwise.

_____________________________

"You women....

The small-breasted ones want larger breasts. The large-breasted ones want smaller ones. The straight-haired ones curl their hair, and the curly-haired ones straighten theirs...

Quit fretting. We men love you."

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:12:27 AM   
DesideriScuri


Posts: 12225
Joined: 1/18/2012
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: LizDeluxe
I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. Let's suppose there is a business in your area who is the very best in your area for whatever product or service they provide. For the purposes of this discussion it really doesn't matter what their business is. Could be a restaurant or an automobile repair shop or a florist. They provide the best service and price and product. Maybe you've never shopped there before or maybe you are already a regular customer. Nobody else in town can touch them.
One day you find out that the owner's political affiliations and beliefs are the polar opposite of yours. We're not talking about them doing anything unethical or immoral or illegal in the course of their business. Nothing like racism or prejudice. Just their basic political views. The sort of stuff we discuss here in P&R.
Would you decline doing business with them or cease doing any further business with them simply because they had different political beliefs than you even if there was nobody in your area who could provide the same quality product or service who was cut from the same political fabric as you? Truthfully, unless you carefully voir dire every prospective business you patronize you probably already do business with someone who is the polar opposite of you politically.
Just curious.


Not one little bit. The only time it might come into play would be if there were 2 businesses that both provided an acceptable level of service at a similar value. And, even then, it might come into play. More likely, the personalities of the business owners and our friendship will have more to do with it, than their political beliefs.


_____________________________

What I support:

  • A Conservative interpretation of the US Constitution
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Help for the truly needy
  • Limited Government
  • Consumption Tax (non-profit charities and food exempt)

(in reply to LizDeluxe)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:17:10 AM   
Level


Posts: 25145
Joined: 3/3/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: LizDeluxe

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. Let's suppose there is a business in your area who is the very best in your area for whatever product or service they provide. For the purposes of this discussion it really doesn't matter what their business is. Could be a restaurant or an automobile repair shop or a florist. They provide the best service and price and product. Maybe you've never shopped there before or maybe you are already a regular customer. Nobody else in town can touch them.

One day you find out that the owner's political affiliations and beliefs are the polar opposite of yours. We're not talking about them doing anything unethical or immoral or illegal in the course of their business. Nothing like racism or prejudice. Just their basic political views. The sort of stuff we discuss here in P&R.

Would you decline doing business with them or cease doing any further business with them simply because they had different political beliefs than you even if there was nobody in your area who could provide the same quality product or service who was cut from the same political fabric as you? Truthfully, unless you carefully voir dire every prospective business you patronize you probably already do business with someone who is the polar opposite of you politically.

Just curious.



I doubt that I would, as long as they weren't obnoxious about it.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

(in reply to LizDeluxe)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:19:54 AM   
DesideriScuri


Posts: 12225
Joined: 1/18/2012
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DarkSteven
I have boycotted Subway ever since they bankrolled the hit piece on Kerry, Stolen Honor.
I have more issues with a company whose actual operating practices are counter to my beliefs, than one that simply contributes money.
The classic instance of this is the Catholic church. How many Catholics will refuse to continue to patronize it if they feel it's lost its way? For that matter, the Tea Party and the moderates both feel that the GOP has an obligation to support their views and there's an implicit threat of withdrawing otherwise.


Does it matter, if the Tea Party and moderates are "threatening" to pull support? Either their support means enough that the GOP should listen and support their views, or the GOP shouldn't cow to their pressure.


_____________________________

What I support:

  • A Conservative interpretation of the US Constitution
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Help for the truly needy
  • Limited Government
  • Consumption Tax (non-profit charities and food exempt)

(in reply to DarkSteven)
Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:39:19 AM   
Lucylastic


Posts: 40310
Status: offline 		my business partner on the corset side, is a conservative, politically my opposite in many ways, so I cant say I do.
I do tend not to shop at places whose business practices are anti labour(eg.walmart) but no, unless I have an issue with them personally, their politics or religion isnt an issue.

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(•_•)
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Dont Hate Love

(in reply to Level)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:48:25 AM   
DaddySatyr


Posts: 9381
Joined: 8/29/2011
From: Pittston, Pennsyltucky
Status: offline 		The only voting that matters, any more is the voting we do with our dollars.

I would not do business with any person whose views were the polar opposite of mine because of where some of that money would go; to support issues with which I do not agree.

Of course, I tend to frequent "mom and pops" type places. I get to know the people and we tend to agree on quite a bit.

I will admit that I do some business with bigger chains but, if I find that their stance(s) on an issue is one I can't support, I stop doing business with them. Dunkin Donuts comes to mind and I've never done business with Starbucks (I'm very proud of that).



Peace and comfort,



Michael

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A Stone in My Shoe

Screen captures (and pissing on shadows) still RULE! Ya feel me?

"For that which I love, I will do horrible things"

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:50:29 AM   
TheHeretic


Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline 		Nope, no more than I'd stop drinking beer with an uncle who's going to have MSNBC on, while we sit and drink it.

The guy who owns the best auto repair place around here is a frequent contributor of letters to the editor, and posts in a local-oriented political forum, that I totally disagree with, and I never hesitated for a moment sending my old Subaru to him when I needed several things done completely right in a tight time frame. And even though he's very much a fundy right wing type, the fact that my car had a dead fish on the tailgate didn't stop him from doing the job well, either.

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If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.


(in reply to LizDeluxe)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 7:50:38 AM   
tj444


Posts: 7574
Joined: 3/7/2010
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: LizDeluxe
Just curious.


to a certain degree if the products/services provided was exceptional, to stop doing business with a company like that would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face.. now that said.. there are certain business that I will not frequent.. one is Curves due to the fact that the head corp uses some of its profits to support the anti-abortion movement.. and of course there is Hobby Lobby which is religous and apparently plays religious music in their stores, which being forced to listen to that kinda music would be enough to drive me out (same would be true if they played rap or country music.. ).. so I just wont shop there.. and I am not saying that these two examples are businesses that I would consider better than their competition, even if they were, I would not deal with them..

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As Anderson Cooper said “If he (Trump) took a dump on his desk, you would defend it”

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 9:01:17 AM   
graceadieu


Posts: 1518
Joined: 3/20/2008
From: Maryland
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DarkSteven

I have boycotted Subway ever since they bankrolled the hit piece on Kerry, Stolen Honor.

I have more issues with a company whose actual operating practices are counter to my beliefs, than one that simply contributes money.

The classic instance of this is the Catholic church. How many Catholics will refuse to continue to patronize it if they feel it's lost its way? For that matter, the Tea Party and the moderates both feel that the GOP has an obligation to support their views and there's an implicit threat of withdrawing otherwise.


Agreed. I don't care that much what the business owner believes. I can respect people with different beliefs, and anyway it's a free country and they can think whatever they want. What I care more about is what they do. If I know a company uses sweatshop labor, for example, or if their employees act in a sexist way, I'd try to avoid them.

(in reply to DarkSteven)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 10:28:55 AM   
fucktoyprincess


Posts: 2337
Status: offline 		I think a person's beliefs are their own, and not really any of my business. If I knew what someone's beliefs were and they were different from mine (whether political, religious or otherwise) it would not stop me from doing business with them EXCEPT under the following circumstances. One, they violate the law in some way. Two, they use the money from their business to further their beliefs in very public and major ways. Three, their beliefs affect the way they do business, the way they treat their employees, etc. Four, their establishment is plastered with messages, or gives an indication that people of other beliefs are not really welcome.

With that said, if the only pharmacy in town is run by some bigoted cretin head, I'm still going to use it to fill prescriptions. What else would I be able to reasonably do? Thankfully I live in a city where there are always options - for everything. So I've been able to direct my spending in ways that fit my personal outlook. For example, I'm not a big fan of large national chain stores, period. So whenever possible, I will support a more local/mom and pop type outfit. But if that local/mom and pop type outfit is run by someone who I dislike (for whatever reason), then, quite frankly, I'd rather use the chain store. Again, it all depends....

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~ ftp

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 11:39:04 AM   
Moonhead


Posts: 16520
Joined: 9/21/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DesideriScuri

quote:

ORIGINAL: DarkSteven
I have boycotted Subway ever since they bankrolled the hit piece on Kerry, Stolen Honor.
I have more issues with a company whose actual operating practices are counter to my beliefs, than one that simply contributes money.
The classic instance of this is the Catholic church. How many Catholics will refuse to continue to patronize it if they feel it's lost its way? For that matter, the Tea Party and the moderates both feel that the GOP has an obligation to support their views and there's an implicit threat of withdrawing otherwise.


Does it matter, if the Tea Party and moderates are "threatening" to pull support? Either their support means enough that the GOP should listen and support their views, or the GOP shouldn't cow to their pressure.


Nobodey else besides drooling freaks and people who'd be sectioned under a mental health act elsewhere in the western world votes for the Republicans anymore, sweetie: they can't afford to piss off the teabaggers.

_____________________________

I like to think he was eaten by rats, in the dark, during a fog. It's what he would have wanted...
(Simon R Green on the late James Herbert)

(in reply to DesideriScuri)
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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 11:54:47 AM   
muhly22222


Posts: 463
Joined: 3/25/2010
Status: offline
quote:

their establishment is plastered with messages, or gives an indication that people of other beliefs are not really welcome.


This is about the only way that I would cease doing business with that person/business, and even that's not a guarantee. Of course, I live in a small town where I can develop personal relationships with business owners, where the relationship is less about the politics and more about the people.

I don't have a problem with different viewpoints, or with them expressing those viewpoints in their actions. If they're openly anti-labor, for instance, and they act like they would if they were anti-labor, all that tells me is that they're honest (with themselves and others), at least to an extent. If they provide the best service and/or goods at the best cost, I couldn't care less what political beliefs they have, and I'd expect their beliefs to support policies that help them to grow their business.

_____________________________

I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking.
-Woodrow Wilson

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RE: Politics and consumerism - 5/5/2013 2:04:57 PM   
TricklessMagic


Posts: 248
Joined: 9/14/2009
Status: offline 		My money, my right to choose how to spend it. Politics makes a different. For the longest time Pink Pistols had a list of anti-gun companies that financed anti-gunners, and so I refused to do business with anyone on that list. Anytime I learn a company is anti-gun I tell my buddies and sometimes we'll mail out letters to them letting them know we won't be patronizing their businesses or products. A big jewelry chain around here doesn't allow law abiding folks to carry concealed weapons on there premises. I picked up a friend who worked there and the manager and I got to talking. Once the manager picked up that I have a great deal of money (I showed them my latest bank balance at the time and it had five figures to the left of decimal point) he started trying to turn me on to what deals they had on jewelry and I politely explained I don't do business with anti-American companies.

He looked at me oddly and I pointed to the sign that said no one was allowed to have concealed weapons on the premises and politely explained to him that a company or business that doesn't trust me to abide by the law where I have the right to exercise the right, then they don't need my money obviously so fuck'em (yes I said fuck'em in public because fuck'em). I won't do business with democrat owned businesses unless they are owned by gay people (owners who are democrats, you can find a list at the local democratic voter chapter, there's one near my house). Thankfully I know a number of gay Republicans who I can regularly do business with.

I won't hire contractors that use non-Americans. I won't do business with Democrats if I can avoid it with the exceptions of doctors.

Now when it comes to pro bono work for domestic violence victims, that i don't let politics enter the window. But when it comes to charities, I won't donate to food pantries that I know are affiliated with groups that are anti-gun. I actually got into a heated argument at a food pantry where I was dropping off a bunch of soup cans and other nonperishables. The guy in charge and some of the folks were talking about Sandy Hook and getting rid of the second amendment. One of the folks I was dealing with was writing down what I was dropping off and I told the guy in charge not to expect anymore drop offs from me (I had been dropping off fifty bucks worth of nonperishables for over six months). He got upset and accused me of being racist (don't know how that came up, just told him the politics of the place turned me off and that I'd be taking my charity elsewhere). I walked out and found a different pantry to make my monthly drop offs at thanks to a guy I know from my gun club who donates his time to manage it in part.

There are view points I don't like and politics I'm against, why would I want to do anything to encourage their propegation?

(in reply to muhly22222)
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