by Abigail Isaacson in Politics

A grassroots organization, the People’s Union USA, is calling for a 24-hour "economic blackout" on Friday, urging Americans to abstain from all spending as a form of protest against the perceived negative influence of billionaires, large corporations, and both major political parties on working Americans. This follows similar boycotts targeting companies like Target for scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The planned blackout aims to pressure corporations by reducing consumer spending, particularly at large retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Experts offer mixed opinions on the potential impact, with some suggesting limited effects, while others point to previous boycotts—such as those against Goya Foods and Bud Light—which yielded varied results. The success of such actions depends on factors like consumer participation, the availability of alternative brands, and the political leanings of the consumer base. While the short-term impact may be minimal, the movement is seen by some as an opportunity to demonstrate consumer power and influence corporate behavior.