Political Diversity & Boycotts with Wisdom
A subscriber's comment raises an important point -- what do you think?
Friday, May 23rd, 2025
Yesterday, I saw this comment on my Substack Post where I expressed appreciation for my Air BnB.
I think she meant “shame on…” at the beginning, and she raises an important point worth thinking about for a moment.
Here are my thoughts:
“Ah, Gretta. I was an Air BnB Super Host about 10 years back, and I've long appreciated the way in which Air BnB allows (1) more people to stay in their homes after the kids leave, and (2) allows more people with less money to enjoy travel!
If it weren't for Air BnB and the opportunity to have a kitchen most places I've visited, I wouldn't (1) be able to afford to travel much or (2) be able to eat healthy when I did!
Nothing is worse than a hotel room or expensive Bed & Breakfast where one meal is included but it's usually not that healthy and then you're at a restaurant the rest of your meals.
As an American, I DEEPLY respect diversity, and that ABSOLUTELY includes political diversity. I would NEVER refuse to engage with a business because I was privy to the political leanings of its owner or founder.
Boycotting a business must only be done for a clearly stated strategic purpose, and it must be done in an organized and carefully orchestrated manner to achieve the goal of applying pressure to how the business is run or employees are treated -- never to pressure the personal political views of the owner, CEO, or founder.
This all makes sense if one slows down, thinks carefully, considers American Constitutional Values, and pays attention to past efforts throughout modern history which have succeeded.
Far too many "mature" Americans are lashing out in a frenetic and frankly ill-considered and college-esque way, making me concerned that the young have few wise elders to learn from.