People Are Boycotting Businesses That Have Banned Black Lives Matter From Employee Appearance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

People Are Boycotting Businesses That Have Banned Black Lives Matter From Employee Appearance

Is it a matter of keeping politics out of work or is it an issue of standing for human rights?

15
People Are Boycotting Businesses That Have Banned Black Lives Matter From Employee Appearance

Throughout the past few weeks, many businesses and companies have come out and spoken in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement - one that has sparked immense momentum after the death of George Floyd, a man in Minneapolis who was caught on footage not being able to breathe for over eight minutes due to an officer kneeing his neck. This has then turned into a domino effect into weeks worth of protests all over the world.

Many businesses have joined in and stood for solidarity with several social media trends including Blackout Tuesday, where people would post a black square to their social media feed and link several resources to donate or sign petitions. Many were skeptical about the motives of the businesses as their efforts may simply be a publicity stunt and the position they truly stood on could be reflected through the funds they support or how they support their employees.

We are also living in an age where cancel culture is a really big deal - the minute it comes to light that a person or business has done or said anything racist, homophobic, transphobic, or insensitive of the sort. Each day, there seems to be a new thing that has branded "#isoverparty" and people stop buying from them.

Starbucks in particular has come under fire this week due to the fact that their employee policy regarding their dress code does not allow them to show Black Lives Matter on anything they wear, including shirts, pins, or face masks (thanks, COVID-19). Publix, a popular chain in the Southeast, has been put on blast for now allowing their employees to wear Black Lives Matter masks as it brings "politics into the workplace." Taco Bell was also canceled for firing an employee just for wanting to wear a Black Lives Matter mask to work.


Many of these organizations have been backing their policies against Black Lives Matter clothing based on their argument that it is a political thing that they do not want to get involved in, despite the fact that many of them have sent out mass emails claiming to back and support the movement and that they are welcoming for all.

There's a popular public opinion that this frenzy of cancel culture makes people too quick to end a person's career or stop business sales just because of mistakes they've made or for going against public opinion. They argue that cancel culture is toxic because we shouldn't simply disown companies just because they go against their political beliefs. There's the counterargument that cancel culture is productive because for the first time in a very long time, people are choosing to spend their money at places that align with their beliefs.

Supporting Black Lives Matter isn't a thing of political belief nor should it be whether a person is democratic or republican; it should be standing with people who have been oppressed and at an disadvantage to the privileges of our society for generations. If a person chooses to no longer support a business that does not stand for basic human rights, then they are amplifying their voice and their values just a little bit louder.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193598
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16889
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459351
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27471
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments