What’s Shopping Got To Do With It?

I popped into an article today about the clothing store, Urban Outfitters. Having been lured by the vague title, “Why I never shop at Urban Outfitters”, and having shopped there myself, I was curious as to why someone would take such a stand against this seemingly harmless company.

The author, a 16-year-old girl from NYC, has taken on a boycott of the company due to its new CEO’s political contributions to Rick Santorum’s “homophobic and racist” presidential campaign, as well as some minor distaste for some controversial (or not) t-shirts the company has sold.

First, I want to commend this girl for taking a stance on issues she cares about. I am a strong proponent of civil disobedience, and for someone who is young and likely trying to find their cause and place in the world, I think this is a great start.

I have to antagonize, however, by inquiring about all the other products she buys? If you are going to live with this philosophy (or whatever your cause may be), then you must be consistent. It’s like being vegetarian or vegan–you can’t do it halfway; you either are or you aren’t.

That means that every restaurant you eat at, every food item you purchase, all the way down to the bobby pin or hair gel you put in your hair, the products better come from a company with all the same values as yourself. Otherwise, what’s the point in singling out one company?

^^see liberal leanings here^^

I vehemently disagree with most of Rick Santorum’s positions, and most likely anyone that supports him, but, I’m not going to boycott a company because of the personal campaign donations of its CEO; that’s a bit of a stretch, especially given the overall “liberal” nature of the UO brand and products. And again, what’s the point if I am not going to take the time and initiative to check into every company I patronize?

My favorite part? Though Emma may not realize it, she is very much taking advantage of the benefits of capitalism.

Under a capitalistic society, everyone has the right to CHOOSE where their money is or is not spent, and for whatever reason they wish. Unfortunately, I can’t tell the U.S. government not to use my tax dollars for killing innocent men, women, and children in the Middle East and across the rest of the world, in which we don’t belong.