We used to be a proper country — it used to be common knowledge that scabs were fair game 😐🫤 your entire identity is consumerism, or else you would get together with your neighbors and figure it out, but you’re not going to because you still wanna go to McDonald’s and Taco Bell and Walmart and you’re not the sort of person who looks to see who the manufacturer is on a product before you buy it because you genuinely buy into the “no ethical consumption under capitalism means everything is harmful in the exact same way” misinterpretation of the phrase — every excuse Americans list for not wanting to do a general strike is literally the reasons to do a general strike in every other country, it’s not that they don’t understand what we’re going through, they don’t understand why we put up with the abuse.
Reflecting on the frustration many feel about the current social and economic landscape, I’ve noticed that consumer habits deeply influence our collective power. In my experience, it’s easy to feel isolated by the daily routine of buying convenience from major corporations without considering the broader impact. The phrase “no ethical consumption under capitalism” often leads to a sense of helplessness, which ironically diminishes motivation to pursue collective labor actions like strikes. From conversations I’ve had, many people find it hard to move beyond individual consumer choices toward community solidarity, which is crucial for meaningful change. The reliance on familiar brands such as McDonald’s or Walmart often creates a comfort zone, even when awareness of corporate practices exists. However, breaking this pattern is essential if a general strike or similar collective effort is to succeed. The comparison with other countries highlights that the reasons American workers resist striking—fear, complacency, or economic insecurity—are the very factors that fuel exploitation. Personally, I’ve learned that building local networks and openly discussing shared grievances can begin to challenge these barriers. Creating spaces where neighbors exchange support rather than competing as consumers creates a foundation to organize beyond daily convenience and toward real labor solidarity. Ultimately, understanding that consumer identity shapes tolerance for systemic abuse reveals why many put up with harmful conditions. Recognizing this dynamic and engaging in community dialogue and action offers a path forward beyond resignation. It’s about shifting focus from individual consumption to collective power as a catalyst for change.