Flash Boycott

[Roy Rolling]

Progressives need to organize an action to get media attention that does not include them as having bit parts that portrays them unfavorably in some another's news story. The viewpoint of progressives should not be an afterthought within a typical media story that spouts the narrative and then carried by the MSM and frames progressives as always on the defense.

I suggest a weekly boycott or some other action, coordinated here on DU and disseminated to other progressive media outlets. I don't have all the answers but, for example, some Tuesday progressives boycott "X" to show their clout. The action can be planned a week or so in advance and then on that day executed by all those who favor the action to demonstrate a pro-active and widespread following. Then, the MSM can be informed to cover the event.

Progressives need to be lions, not sheep. Any ideas DUers?

[rucky]

1. How about we all switch to credit unions?

[Roy Rolling]

2. Good idea

A good idea, but changing banking relationships is a very major move for a lot of people and may be unworkable. A very good suggestion nonetheless. I was thinking more along the lines of not shopping at Wal-Mart for one week or mass calling to customer support at Apple or PayPal for their WikiLeaks retaliation. Then, send a press release to the media and getting publicity. PR is the most effective way of carrying a message and progressives are losing the p.r. battle because we are always responding so someone else's message.

[ClassWarrior]

3. Isn't that a contradiction in terms? Doesn't a boycott only work over time?

NGU.

[Recursion]

4. That would only work for things that people reliably do every day

(Or at least every week.)

This also leaves open the question of how many Progressives (by DU standards) there are out there.

[elocs]

5. Boycotts generally do not work unless they are local, specific, and focussed.

Unless any nationwide boycott has massive support it will be so watered down to be ineffective.

People often boycott because it makes them feel good about their choice, not that the boycott will have an actual negative impact or cause actual change.

[mdmc]

6. nah, doing stuff is for tea baggers