Yet another Gaza post
There has been quite a bit posted about the situation in Gaza. I would like to start my post by saying what a tragedy I think this is and that my heart goes out to all those affected by this crisis.
That said, I think there is a great deal of confusion, which seems to be leading to a great deal of debate. Fair enough, everyone has an opinion but it is getting a bit discouraging to see a lot of non-Arab posters attacking those who are speaking out and supporting the boycott. There are numerous “facts” floating around which some have basis and some don’t. It’s a web forum, plain and simple.
First thing I have noticed is that everyone seems to think this is a battle of religious backing. The people being killed in Gaza are not just Muslims, they are also Christians and Jews. Also, Israeli’s are of the 3 major faiths as well, and are just as involved in this conflict as the other.
Another thing that seems to be prevalent is that a majority think the purpose of the boycott is to bankrupt major global corporations so that in turn they cannot support Israel to kill Palestinians. Anyone of sound mind knows that this is not practical, or even feasible. Granted some people have this mindset and more power to them. I have said it in a previous post that as a general population we cannot actually force Arab leaders to take a united stand and try and resolve what is happening in Gaza. The boycott represents a united stand against the injustice of Palestinians, and US companies in particular are being targeted due to the US’s very public support of Israel. Obviously the boycott issue has brought about quite a buzz as you can find it on numerous message boards all over the world, hence its purpose of giving people a voice has been served.
I have been told that this is not effective and that we should all “put our money where our mouths are” and spend our boycott money on aid. I need not go into this as many people have been more than generous with their time and money to support the victims of war and for this God bless. I have gotten some statistics on the percentage of people who will actually donate or help as a result of the boycott but until now I have not received the source. I will post it in this thread as soon as I get it, but I don’t think that I ever will.
One major thing I don’t get is that if people believe they are making a difference, and believe they are doing their best in whatever way they can, why do so many people try and discourage them? Better yet, why are so many people ready to condemn a group of people for their personal choices (which I may add do not involve any actions that directly affect them). I have also heard that people are becoming upset because others are “imposing their beliefs” on people. Let me end this by saying that if you can adopt an entire new set of ideologies from a poster (who you have deemed as senseless anyway) than there are far greater issues for you to concern yourself with than what I choose to buy with my own money.
I was not talking about those who expressed their openion about the boycott, but those who tried to discourage or belittle the effort.
Even after explaining the objectives in detail it is still going on.
Some of them are even trying accuse this as Meera's plan to promote her own line of products.
Thats too much!
I respect people like PM, who expressed her openion against the boycott, but still took time to explain one of them Mira's justifications behind this.
That should be the spirit.
Sorry if sounded like the fascist.
I never meant so.
Most of the people who discouraged the boycott, were supporting Israel or rather belittling the tragedy of the palastenians, with their comments on other forums.
So it is too simple that they will discourage it, because they know that it will affect Isreal and its interests very much negatively.
Boycott is the most powerful weapon that normal people can use, irrespective race, region or relegion.
It had worked before, it will work again.
We know that will it not close down the companies supporting Isreal. But it will show some loss in their balance sheet. This will send them some message.
As far as I know many are giving generous donations for the rebuild of Gaza. Many countries have promised millions.
But what can be done to stop any such actions in the future? This should be a message, not only to Isreal, but to anyone who thought they could just get away with such crimes.
Boycotting any of our favorite brand is not as easy as many think. It needs mental strength and persistance.
Thats what we need.
Go ahead Meera and others!
Your are doing the right thing. The responses shows it.
Good article Eco-savvy. Whether it works or not its a personal descision, it gives me great satisfaction to boycott any company that supports or justifies what happened in Gaza..
http://www.normanfinkelstein.com/article.php?pg=11&ar=130
Mira and Amoud Keep this thread alive, everyone needs constant reminders.
Sheesh, abu.adil, you sound like George Bush when he says, "if you're not with us you are against us." I have supported Palestine with my heart and my feet and my wallet. But I haven't yet found an effective plan for a boycott of Israeli products. I certainly swear I never use Teva and Naiot and Ahava, but after that it gets too murky. Starbucks (to name a favorite target) is not an Israeli company. Show me an Israeli company that exports from Israel (and doesn't use a majority of Palestinians as employees) and I'm there! But we have to be smart about this. And believe me, as much as I hate to say it, it's hard to be smarter than the Israelis. I will NOT give them an excuse to say that those supporting Palestine in this way are wrong or misguided or just plain stupid. I believe that it's even more important to win the PR war. Damaging a few Israeli companies - if we could find them and successfully affect them economically - is minimal compared to winning the hearts and minds of the rest of the world.
Mandi
not all anti-boycott support Israel. Message is clear, so go on with your objective. But we are also entitled to our views!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Amoud this is a good forum topic, took a while to read! But I really agree wholeheartedely with you on this.
no problem..
there's a cure for trolls!
until now he is still nice!
let's wait and see
I smell "Gupta1967" reloaded!
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21761.htm
PM, it was actually people against it, and referring to it and its supporters as being people with unsubstantiated claims based on fiction. It is was also an insult not only to those supporting but to the Palestinians who are suffering. Go back the last few days PM but I think you remember.
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
well said Amoud, if you want to boycott go ahead, if you dont, thats your choice .
"there are far greater issues for you to concern yourself with than what I choose to buy with my own money.'. the best part. Why do people care, you have your money go and spend up as much as you like.
The reason for the summary was because the same points kept coming up time and time again. How many times can you hit your head against a wall before you realize it hurts?
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
good ONE, thanks for doing a summary of the other threads., it's just surprising that even with the ways on helping gaza, ideologies differ and crash into battlegrounds, each not supportive on the other, which is not helpful at all, (as i see it). i just hope help for gaza would be based solely on compassion (ways with just sole and direct purpose, that is, helping gaza rebuild itself, nothin else), i see the other ways promoting hatred, being stuck in the moment, unable to move forward.,
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call me ONE.
I totally 100% agree with the thread and with comments above.
As long as we are trying our best to change to the better..
,
Emad =>
I have received loads of support on the boycott initiative...Some people question the location (which is an American franchise that does not support Israel-to the best of my knowledge), but I have to say, for the most part, people have been really encouraging. Btw. I only chose Bennigan's because it has an area for children...so that mothers could be included...that's it.
Anywho,
Some people would like to go a few steps further and boycott American establishments as well because of America's endless support of Israel, which is fine too.
Everyone is free to do what they want with their own money and anyone who says otherwise is ridiculous.
I totally agree with you Amoud, if people are expressing themselves against what they feel is injustice...whose business is that? Why deter them?
I totally 100% agree in giving Aid. Charity and boycott can go hand-in-hand, one does not deter the other.
Agree with you 100%.
I think the main cause of the outbursts is the sheer helplessness many feel as to the situation in Gaza.
We all have to do what we ourselves feel is right. If that means boycotting goods, then so be it. It may not make a dent in the company's bottom line, but at least it will send a message.
For those from the West. If you do believe that an injustice is occurring, then please make yourselves heard. Write to your minsiters / congressmen etc and let them know how you feel. It can make a difference.