A 40-day boycott of Target began this week, sparked by the retailer’s decision to end some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The boycott, called “Target Fast,” is led by Rev. Jamal Bryant and other faith and civil rights leaders, who aim to hold the company accountable for its actions.
Target announced in January that it would phase out certain DEI initiatives, including a program designed to help Black employees build meaningful careers. The move was seen as a reversal of the company’s previous commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Critics argue that Target’s decision is discriminatory and counterproductive, while others point to the company’s past messaging around DEI as a factor in the backlash. The boycott aims to redirect consumers’ spending power towards Black-owned businesses, with organizers demanding that Target restore its commitments to DEI and honor a previous pledge to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025.
Experts say that boycotts can be an effective way to pressure companies into changing their practices, but they also note that it’s difficult for consumers to change their buying habits, especially when faced with the prospect of choosing between alternatives. The “Target Fast” is part of a larger trend of consumer activism, as Americans increasingly demand greater accountability from corporations.
The boycott has already seen significant participation, with over 110,000 people signing up in just the first week. As the protest continues for 40 days, it remains to be seen whether Target will ultimately change its policies or if the boycott will have a lasting impact on consumer behavior.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/40-day-target-boycott-fast-dei-d1d40f79f5f1b3afb2dfe8561e7729a0