I think it's a good opportunity for progressives to recognize just how shallow the corporate support is for any progressive causes. Corporations exist for one reason (according to the SCOTUS decision 40 years ago): to maximize profits for their investor/owners.
Not just the GLBT+++ community, but all progressives, need to remind ourselves that supporting businesses that don't support us is, frankly, stupid. They will always sway in the wind and submit to the most powerful, or loudest, tyrannical voices on the right. They always have, and they always will.
If you have a bank account at Citi, MOVE IT. Find a different, better bank. If you shop(ped) at Target, FIND A BETTER STORE. If you drive a Nissan, TRADE IT IN.
That's the only thing corporations understand: their bottom line. Fortunately, the board of Target has cut its CEO's pay in half because the GLBT+++ supportive community has stopped shopping there, and their bottom line has been sinking all year long. Maybe, just maybe, after another year or two of collapsing sales, the company will A) get a better CEO; B) realize that supporting ALL people equally in this nation is what the nation is all about; C) tell Donald J. and JD and the rest of the fascists to go eff themselves.
I'm not holding my breath. But I'm also not shopping at Target anymore.
Andy, it's great if you can AFFORD not to shop at Target/not to use Citi/trade in your Nissan, etc. Most don't have that luxury right now. Most can only afford certain hygiene/beauty/other cosmetic items from places like Target. I don't think people realize that by hurting Target, you're hurting the people you want to protect: the migrant who works 3 jobs and their kids. The high school kid who needs an after-school/weekend job. The disabled community. Etc.
And by supporting Target, you're hurting the people I want to protect: families with GLBT kids; minority Target employees who once hoped to be able to climb the ladder but now are casually passed over for CIS white men; teens struggling with their self-identities who had one place -- maybe the only store out in the boonies -- that affirmed them but now turns its back on them; and yes, a disabled person who will now NOT be hired because the company's CEO doesn't give a shit about anything but pleasing Trump! He certainly doesn't want people on his payroll who have visible handicaps, like the reporter Trump-daddy mocked so disgustingly a few years back, or the veterans who lost limbs fighting for America that TACO Donnie refuses to be seen with.
You seem to be willing to trade off discrimination against one community (GLBT+) for others. I'm not. Discrimination against one is discrimination against all!
You write, "I don't think people realize that . . . " Sorry, but people who have targeted Target are not stupid. We're well aware of the consequences of decisions we make. We also know that it's not a question of being able to afford Target (or any other business): it's a question of applying your core values to your own life. Deliberately eliminating DEI programs and consciousness at Target means that Target won't even be hiring "the migrant who works 3 jobs and their kids." It will hire teens who need an after-school job ONLY IF THEY LOOK LIKE THE CEO.
This is not a zero-sum game. In fact, it's not a game at all. My faith community has gone to Target every year to buy $2,000 worth of holiday gifts for needy children in our community. We no longer will do so. We'll continue providing gifts, but we'll buy them somewhere else.
You see, Lauren, there are connections we have to be aware of in this world. An example is this: I can shop at Home Depot or at Lowe's for seeds or starter plants for my garden. The price is the same, the quality is the same, often even the brand-name product is the same. I go to Lowe's because the founders of Home Depot are right-wing, Trumpian, MAGAs who give boatloads of money to MAGA candidates and causes. Every dollar spent at Home Depot -- even though the founders don't own it or run it any longer -- puts money in their pockets, which they use to harm people I know by supporting and electing candidates who pass laws to do so. People like migrants working three jobs, teens needing an after-school job, and GLBT+++ citizens.
Another example: I'm not a wealthy person. But where I keep my checking account matters to me. Most poor people, especially many African Americans, don't trust banks and don't have accounts at Citi or Wells Fargo or elsewhere. But people who DO have money in a bank can move it FROM a bank that A) supports (or caves in to) MAGA goals; B) invests it in strip mining corporations; C) uses it to lobby Congress not to pass bank regulations that might hurt them . . . TO a bank or credit union that doesn't do those things. It's not a question of affordability, but of convenience (BTW, most credit unions pay interest on deposits).
Ditto with Target. My refusal to shop there -- and that of millions of GLBT+++ and supportive allies -- sends a clear message: support us, and we'll support you. Do not, and face the consequences. When that company dumped GLBT-favorable merchandise and placement, they hoped to win over right-wing shoppers. It didn't work: those people still won't shop there (they're more likely to go to Walmart and Sam's Club). When progressives stopped shopping at Target in droves, the profits collapsed by almost 50%. Maybe that will get them to change their tune, maybe not -- but I'm not about to trust them.
I'm all for blaming the corporate level. Some of the local Targets support diversity, equity and inclusion. That's who I support. I'm also putting nephews and a niece through school with less debt, so I'd like my money not to go to Target, but if it's a choice of food on the table or no food on the table, I'll shop at Target for obvious reasons....even if the corproration and I don't share the same views. Please don't shame everyone for getting basics at Target who would rather not. Especially if it's 1 of the only places in miles where they can get basics. Most don't have the money to just support anti trump companies, and or live in areas where that's possible. It's not a good look to come across as being holier than others.
I apologize if it sounded like I was/am shaming you. I'm not, at all. I understand that if a store like Target (or Walmart) is the only place around, then you have no choice about shopping there. I do truly apologize.
Thank you. Unfortunately, it’s not always about geographically what’s available but the obvious-finances. If the exact same thing is $20 at some anti trump chain, $10 at a Walgreens/CVS but $5 at Target, people will get the 1 at Target.
Obviously companies that big do their research before going into places. They know the average income, the general breakdown of race/age/sex/etc. That’s why 2 Costcos/Walgreens/Targets, etc. near you will have different things, etc.
Yea, I’d rather get something at say Penzeys/Gap. Does my bank account? No. So in that case, I shop where I can afford it even if I’d rather get the other brand.
Personally, I fall into the camp that welcomes the de-corporatization of Pride. My first Pride in Chicago in the late-80's was a true community event, at which only our staunchest allies had the courage to express their support.
We grieved our loved ones dying of AIDS, supported those who were sick and terrified, stood up to those who came with vile messages to protest us, sent loud messages to our elected representatives, and, yes, celebrated each other in the midst of all of that.
That's what Pride was all about. Corporate sponsors have zero to do with that!
I'm disgusted at the corporation. But I'll still get basic cosmetics there that are cheap and unavailable at Costco. I won't shame the shoppers or the employees. In general? I wish we could take a lot of the consumerism out of American holidays. I'd rather have Lady Gaga, etc. encourage the charitable donations and ones TIME than the consumerism.
If anyone is looking for pro LGBTQAI places to shop, look at TeeRico. Look at Penzeys. Look on Etsy. For makeup? Lady Gaga has a great line that's perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Also check out Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. Vegan and cruelty free, and a “Rare Impact” social impact program I admire. I bailed on cheap “corporate” products years ago as I learned about harmful ingredients and cruel animal testing practices. And as others have said, over time I have aligned my purchases with companies I respect. Over the last few years that effort has gone into hyper drive and I sought out small businesses and women owned businesses too. In the last 8 months or so as things really went off the rails, I cast off subscriptions and services left and right as one company after another bent a knee to the unthinkable, as my product shopping was already pretty aligned, and I happily found independent news and voices at Substack. As things now stand, I have realized that there is actually a lot I can do without. Voting with my dollars is one thing I can do every day, and that gives me hope every day.
I'm very late to the new nuances of non-social based corporate America support for social causes. By their very nature they have a different bottom line. But even if they are socially beige, their workplace and customer practices will show with flying colors their bottom line commitment to whatever they are now calling DEI. My reasoning is that lasting progress is made by welcoming and inclusive policies, welcoming hiring and supervision, and a diverse set of associates serving an increasingly diverse community. My fear is that some politicians savor the opportunity to foist social wedge issues on a divided America while they whittle away at civil rights protections that the majority of Americans truly support.
I'm not surprised at all, because as has been mentioned, the phrase "for-profit company" means the company exists to make a profit for its owners. "Corporate Support" is simply advertising. In the case of retail, while there is probably a certain amount of ring-kissing/ fear of government reprisals, I suspect there is a big chunk of "apparently acceptance of differences is not a popular position any more, since the majority of voters voted for bigotry." That said, I won't shop there and no harm using our voices as well as our pocketbooks to yammer about it, since that's what the RW did last year.
Although I totally get what you're saying here, this is how I'm looking at it: they are still offering pride merch and LGBTQ vendors; it would've been worse if they scrapped it altogether. (I do think labeling the items as "Adult" was unnecessary and just plain stupid.) And as for the beige clothes, perhaps there are some people right now who want to be proud but not so loud in the current political climate? For safety reasons? Or maybe they like beige? It's good they have options. Also, Target may be trying to find a way back from their bad decision; I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. First they're the target of conservative culture warriors, now they're the target of progressive culture warriors. I like to believe most people are doing their best to get through these times.
I think it's a good opportunity for progressives to recognize just how shallow the corporate support is for any progressive causes. Corporations exist for one reason (according to the SCOTUS decision 40 years ago): to maximize profits for their investor/owners.
Not just the GLBT+++ community, but all progressives, need to remind ourselves that supporting businesses that don't support us is, frankly, stupid. They will always sway in the wind and submit to the most powerful, or loudest, tyrannical voices on the right. They always have, and they always will.
If you have a bank account at Citi, MOVE IT. Find a different, better bank. If you shop(ped) at Target, FIND A BETTER STORE. If you drive a Nissan, TRADE IT IN.
That's the only thing corporations understand: their bottom line. Fortunately, the board of Target has cut its CEO's pay in half because the GLBT+++ supportive community has stopped shopping there, and their bottom line has been sinking all year long. Maybe, just maybe, after another year or two of collapsing sales, the company will A) get a better CEO; B) realize that supporting ALL people equally in this nation is what the nation is all about; C) tell Donald J. and JD and the rest of the fascists to go eff themselves.
I'm not holding my breath. But I'm also not shopping at Target anymore.
Andy, it's great if you can AFFORD not to shop at Target/not to use Citi/trade in your Nissan, etc. Most don't have that luxury right now. Most can only afford certain hygiene/beauty/other cosmetic items from places like Target. I don't think people realize that by hurting Target, you're hurting the people you want to protect: the migrant who works 3 jobs and their kids. The high school kid who needs an after-school/weekend job. The disabled community. Etc.
And by supporting Target, you're hurting the people I want to protect: families with GLBT kids; minority Target employees who once hoped to be able to climb the ladder but now are casually passed over for CIS white men; teens struggling with their self-identities who had one place -- maybe the only store out in the boonies -- that affirmed them but now turns its back on them; and yes, a disabled person who will now NOT be hired because the company's CEO doesn't give a shit about anything but pleasing Trump! He certainly doesn't want people on his payroll who have visible handicaps, like the reporter Trump-daddy mocked so disgustingly a few years back, or the veterans who lost limbs fighting for America that TACO Donnie refuses to be seen with.
You seem to be willing to trade off discrimination against one community (GLBT+) for others. I'm not. Discrimination against one is discrimination against all!
You write, "I don't think people realize that . . . " Sorry, but people who have targeted Target are not stupid. We're well aware of the consequences of decisions we make. We also know that it's not a question of being able to afford Target (or any other business): it's a question of applying your core values to your own life. Deliberately eliminating DEI programs and consciousness at Target means that Target won't even be hiring "the migrant who works 3 jobs and their kids." It will hire teens who need an after-school job ONLY IF THEY LOOK LIKE THE CEO.
This is not a zero-sum game. In fact, it's not a game at all. My faith community has gone to Target every year to buy $2,000 worth of holiday gifts for needy children in our community. We no longer will do so. We'll continue providing gifts, but we'll buy them somewhere else.
You see, Lauren, there are connections we have to be aware of in this world. An example is this: I can shop at Home Depot or at Lowe's for seeds or starter plants for my garden. The price is the same, the quality is the same, often even the brand-name product is the same. I go to Lowe's because the founders of Home Depot are right-wing, Trumpian, MAGAs who give boatloads of money to MAGA candidates and causes. Every dollar spent at Home Depot -- even though the founders don't own it or run it any longer -- puts money in their pockets, which they use to harm people I know by supporting and electing candidates who pass laws to do so. People like migrants working three jobs, teens needing an after-school job, and GLBT+++ citizens.
Another example: I'm not a wealthy person. But where I keep my checking account matters to me. Most poor people, especially many African Americans, don't trust banks and don't have accounts at Citi or Wells Fargo or elsewhere. But people who DO have money in a bank can move it FROM a bank that A) supports (or caves in to) MAGA goals; B) invests it in strip mining corporations; C) uses it to lobby Congress not to pass bank regulations that might hurt them . . . TO a bank or credit union that doesn't do those things. It's not a question of affordability, but of convenience (BTW, most credit unions pay interest on deposits).
Ditto with Target. My refusal to shop there -- and that of millions of GLBT+++ and supportive allies -- sends a clear message: support us, and we'll support you. Do not, and face the consequences. When that company dumped GLBT-favorable merchandise and placement, they hoped to win over right-wing shoppers. It didn't work: those people still won't shop there (they're more likely to go to Walmart and Sam's Club). When progressives stopped shopping at Target in droves, the profits collapsed by almost 50%. Maybe that will get them to change their tune, maybe not -- but I'm not about to trust them.
I'm all for blaming the corporate level. Some of the local Targets support diversity, equity and inclusion. That's who I support. I'm also putting nephews and a niece through school with less debt, so I'd like my money not to go to Target, but if it's a choice of food on the table or no food on the table, I'll shop at Target for obvious reasons....even if the corproration and I don't share the same views. Please don't shame everyone for getting basics at Target who would rather not. Especially if it's 1 of the only places in miles where they can get basics. Most don't have the money to just support anti trump companies, and or live in areas where that's possible. It's not a good look to come across as being holier than others.
I apologize if it sounded like I was/am shaming you. I'm not, at all. I understand that if a store like Target (or Walmart) is the only place around, then you have no choice about shopping there. I do truly apologize.
Thank you. Unfortunately, it’s not always about geographically what’s available but the obvious-finances. If the exact same thing is $20 at some anti trump chain, $10 at a Walgreens/CVS but $5 at Target, people will get the 1 at Target.
Obviously companies that big do their research before going into places. They know the average income, the general breakdown of race/age/sex/etc. That’s why 2 Costcos/Walgreens/Targets, etc. near you will have different things, etc.
Yea, I’d rather get something at say Penzeys/Gap. Does my bank account? No. So in that case, I shop where I can afford it even if I’d rather get the other brand.
It feels like we have catered to the direction of the administration,” said the executive.
Do they mean "catered" or 'CRATERED'????
I say the letter.
Don’t you mean “the latter”?!
Don’t you mean “the latter”?!
By the way, I like the Contrarian logo sporting the Pride rainbow!
Personally, I fall into the camp that welcomes the de-corporatization of Pride. My first Pride in Chicago in the late-80's was a true community event, at which only our staunchest allies had the courage to express their support.
We grieved our loved ones dying of AIDS, supported those who were sick and terrified, stood up to those who came with vile messages to protest us, sent loud messages to our elected representatives, and, yes, celebrated each other in the midst of all of that.
That's what Pride was all about. Corporate sponsors have zero to do with that!
Marty, that's how the holidays as a whole SHOULD be. It should be about the experiences and not the STUFF.
The moment Target kissed the ring, I quit shopping there. 🏳️🌈
Target is gutless.
Shame on them and every other business that kowtows to the dastardly 34xfelon/sex offender.
I'm disgusted at the corporation. But I'll still get basic cosmetics there that are cheap and unavailable at Costco. I won't shame the shoppers or the employees. In general? I wish we could take a lot of the consumerism out of American holidays. I'd rather have Lady Gaga, etc. encourage the charitable donations and ones TIME than the consumerism.
If anyone is looking for pro LGBTQAI places to shop, look at TeeRico. Look at Penzeys. Look on Etsy. For makeup? Lady Gaga has a great line that's perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Also check out Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. Vegan and cruelty free, and a “Rare Impact” social impact program I admire. I bailed on cheap “corporate” products years ago as I learned about harmful ingredients and cruel animal testing practices. And as others have said, over time I have aligned my purchases with companies I respect. Over the last few years that effort has gone into hyper drive and I sought out small businesses and women owned businesses too. In the last 8 months or so as things really went off the rails, I cast off subscriptions and services left and right as one company after another bent a knee to the unthinkable, as my product shopping was already pretty aligned, and I happily found independent news and voices at Substack. As things now stand, I have realized that there is actually a lot I can do without. Voting with my dollars is one thing I can do every day, and that gives me hope every day.
I'm very late to the new nuances of non-social based corporate America support for social causes. By their very nature they have a different bottom line. But even if they are socially beige, their workplace and customer practices will show with flying colors their bottom line commitment to whatever they are now calling DEI. My reasoning is that lasting progress is made by welcoming and inclusive policies, welcoming hiring and supervision, and a diverse set of associates serving an increasingly diverse community. My fear is that some politicians savor the opportunity to foist social wedge issues on a divided America while they whittle away at civil rights protections that the majority of Americans truly support.
I'm not surprised at all, because as has been mentioned, the phrase "for-profit company" means the company exists to make a profit for its owners. "Corporate Support" is simply advertising. In the case of retail, while there is probably a certain amount of ring-kissing/ fear of government reprisals, I suspect there is a big chunk of "apparently acceptance of differences is not a popular position any more, since the majority of voters voted for bigotry." That said, I won't shop there and no harm using our voices as well as our pocketbooks to yammer about it, since that's what the RW did last year.
Although I totally get what you're saying here, this is how I'm looking at it: they are still offering pride merch and LGBTQ vendors; it would've been worse if they scrapped it altogether. (I do think labeling the items as "Adult" was unnecessary and just plain stupid.) And as for the beige clothes, perhaps there are some people right now who want to be proud but not so loud in the current political climate? For safety reasons? Or maybe they like beige? It's good they have options. Also, Target may be trying to find a way back from their bad decision; I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. First they're the target of conservative culture warriors, now they're the target of progressive culture warriors. I like to believe most people are doing their best to get through these times.
P.S. I agree with Andy Reed's comments about corporations, which is why I wrote this blog a few months ago about being a conscious consumer; how and where we spend our money is the best way we can make a difference. https://sensoryperceptions.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/conscious-consumerism-put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/