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There is no ethical consumption under capitalism. Being able to choose not to order from Amazon is a massive privilege that most in the middle class do not hav
by danaris 5y ago
There is no ethical consumption under capitalism.
Being able to choose not to order from Amazon is a massive privilege that most in the middle class do not have if they want to maintain something akin to a normal life. It takes a considerable expenditure of time, effort, and money, and will have effectively zero impact on Amazon.
Even fairly widespread organized temporary boycotts have not made more than a blip for them, because they're just too goddamn big. The only remedies that will work against Amazon are government-level, not individuals either on their own or in organized groups smaller than at least a state government.
- LB232323 5y agoI intentionally avoid giving money to companies like Amazon or Apple. It is not that hard.
- danaris 5y agoIt is not hard if you are privileged enough that alternatives are within your budget—not just of money, but of time and mental effort—to seek out and continue to use. Most people on HackerNews, with incomes well above the national median, and often sources of passive income that earn above the national median income, are thus privileged. Many, many more people are not, and to decide that what is not hard for you is not hard for anyone is a conclusion without merit.
- SyzygistSix 5y agoSure, but some buying choices are more ethical and compassionate than others.