The media pundit's pundit. Written by NYC insider Jeff Jarvis, BuzzMachine covers news, media, journalism, and politics.
Boycotts
: USA Today‘s blog sums up efforts to boycott the U.S. and Britain (with no mention of the boycotts in reverse from the U.S. and Britain).
At the same time, an essay in Die Zeit (in German) argues (if I’m translating correctly) that boycotts are wrong, even unChristian, for they do not attack and hurt the “guilty.” Boycotts cause economic collateral damage.
And besides, Die Zeit argues, a boycott from America will hurt Germany more than a boycott from Germany will hurt America.
hate is better than boycotts!
While boycotts hurt both sides, I think they are definitely better than any other means. Nonviolent protest!! Gandhi would be proud. Most people don’t give a rat’s ass what happens politically until their pocketbook is affected. Now having said this, with every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Are we prepared to take the hit at home with job losses, etc.? Time will tell. And for you europeans and liberals out there, don’t try to blame President Bush for this. People are expressing freedom of choice by doing this. Something the Iraqi people haven’t had the luxury of doing for, oh what, 35 years. Hopefully they will be able to participate in boycotts real soon!! God Bless America, our troops, and Mr. Bush.