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Originally Posted by brianwspencer
I'm not one of those who thinks only white folks can be racist and that minorities can't be -- that's silly.
But I'm generally a big fan of these sorts of "buycotts."
I don't see anything wrong with spending your dollars at places you want to succeed. If you're black and feel that black business owners are underrepresented and undersupported, then by all means spend your money there to support those you feel are doing something you believe in.
Same thing for those that support local farmers only because they believe that mass produced fruits/vegetables/meats are harmful to the environment and animals, etc.
Same thing for those who buy organic -- they're supporting a cause they believe in.
I shop and dine at gay-friendly businesses in my neighborhood in Chicago quite intentionally. If I'm given the choice between buying the same product or a comparable one from someone who supports the community and someone who doesn't, you better believe I'll put my money where my mouth is.
I think using your dollars to support causes and groups you believe in is admirable and to a great extent, exempt from calls of racism, homophobia, discrimination, etc. It goes both ways -- it's not like lots of uber-Christian wingnuts come to Andersonville to support gay-operated businesses as a matter of course.
Just my two cents on the issue.
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I agree with you that people should pick and choose who they give their business to. You shouldn't give your business to a company that you have a major problem with. But this story is totally different. To make your decision solely based on race is not onaly racist but it is foolish. You should give your business to the person or company that gives you the best product and whose business practices you are comfortable with.
Let's say that there are two different stores that sell the same product. One store is owned by a black guy who is a really nice guy. The other store is owned by a white guy who is a real jerk. Who do you think I'm going to give my business to? I'm obviously going to give my business to the black guy. Is there anyone here that thinks that I should give my business to the white guy since I happen to be white? I don't think so.
Brian, I think you are confusing the issue. I totally agree with you that you should give your business to businesses that you are comfortable with and that share your morals, beliefs, and that type of thing. But I think that is totally different from this story where the decision is made solely based on race.