that's politics, bitch

I was talking to my sister and she asked me if I had seen a sketch by Chelsea Handler.  My response was, “No.  I don’t watch her.  She’s an anti-vaccinationist.”  I could hear the eye roll over the phone.  Typical Leslie in action.

There has been a lot of op-ed, blog posts, and talk in general about “separating the art from the artist”.  American celebrities are so outspoken about a myriad of issues, each of which will be extremely personal to someone, somewhere.   Because so many actors, musicians, politicians and otherwise public figures demand to be more than vessels through which their work travels, choosing entertainment has become an exhausting task.  

As a lunatic liberal I am really not trying to take away anyone’s freedoms.  I just think society in general has to have a structure where we don’t have to suffer from extreme socio-economic imbalances, we can choose to opt out (or in) of religion, and to generally not be exploited by assholes.  I just want everyone to be safe, happy, healthy, to not be discriminated against, and free to do whatever he or she wants. 

Living in San Francisco, the city of recreational outrage, it’s easy to stray from that central dogma.  I get so distracted by boycotts, protests, and media frenzies.  My family on the other side of the country is all too familiar with my tendency to reject something based on a disagreement in politics or thought.   Maybe there is such a thing as going so far left that you come back around to the other side full circle.  In other words, if I disagree with so much, eventually I’ll be confined to my house forever having shut everything down by my thought police tendencies. 

Here is a list of people, places, and things I have avoided in the past, present or both:

-Scientologists (Tom Cruise and his movies)

-Anti-vaccinationists (Jenny McCarthy, Jim Carrey, Chelsea Handler)

-PETA members (basically everyone in Hollywood)

-Creationists

-Rape apologists (re: Roman Polanski and the recent amendment proposed by Senator Franken)

-Prop 8 Supporters (there is a database of who supported this financially that I have referenced several times)

-Misogynists (American Apparel)

-Racists

-Restaurants that serve foie gras

-Disrespectful Pro-Lifers (pro-life people don’t bother me.  People who think its okay to kill abortion doctors do)

-English-Only movement supporters

-Birthers

-Health care reform opposition

-Sanctimonious vegans (Natalie Portman who compares being okay with eating meat to being okay with rape)

-Anti-union (Whole Foods, starbucks)

Not all of the above can be associated with businesses to not give my money to, but certainly if I caught wind of affiliation I would prevent further patronage.  I know that can’t be everything I’ve gone off the deep end about.  They are just the issues I can think of off the top of my head.  While a lot of them are no-brainers (who would support known racists?) listing everything I disagree with makes me feel like the most intolerant person in the world, which is the opposite of what I am trying to achieve here. 

I’m interested...what have/do you avoid(ed) with your wallet for political reasons?

Comments

[B]

Hi Leslie - I've been a reader for a long time, but this post finally convinced me to come out of the woodwork. I don't think you should feel intolerant for one second. I am a big advocate of conscious consumption, because money talks louder than our vote. For that reason, I won't watch movies that are rape-tolerant (or advocating). The most recent example I can think of is I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. They put up a bunch of rape jokes on the sides of buses here in Chicago. Deaf Girls Can't Hear You Coming is one of the gems. I also try to buy goods from companies that pay a living wage (Costco vs. Sams Club). We can't keep dibs on everything, but I think too many people are lazy about not following through with their convictions.

End rant...as you can see, this post really got me going.

[Leslie/Squid]

B-
Deaf girls can't hear you coming? Wow in one advertisement they manage to make it known that if you're deaf, a woman and especially both, joke is on you! I should have also mentioned that when I get on my political high horse to financially boycott something I am often accused of being humorless. I'm sure your opposition to these types of bro' movies make people say, "geez can't you take a joke"? I think I have a great sense of humor...as long as the joke isn't marginalizing anyone for reasons they can't help... Thanks for coming out and commenting!

[julie g.]

Love the blog, but...I think you're confused on Al Franken's rape amendment. That amendment is trying to make it possible to prosecute cases of rape and sexual assault in the defense contracting industry. Currently, those contractors force their employees to sign agreements that send cases like that straight to arbitration and make criminal prosecution impossible. Maybe what you were trying to say is that you hate those who are against his amendment?

[Leslie]

Julie,

Thank you for better stating what i meant. I should have clarified. I mean I was terrified at the list of those who voted against being able to prosecute in a court of law government hired subcontractors outside of arbitration. I shouldn't have glossed over it so fast.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and better explain this!

Leslie

[Ace]

I boycott Wal-Mart (not much of a sacrifice since there aren't any in SF as far as I know) not just because of their anti-union position, discrimination against various minority employees, and failure to follow wage/hour (overtime) laws, but because their demand for ever-lower prices has driven companies out of business and bankrupted small countries overseas. The LA Times did a great expose on that several years ago.

What are birthers?

and by the way, I think you are VERY funny!

[Jeffrey]

Glad you're back and posting. Chik-fil-A is a definite no-no in my book. S. Truett Cathy is a scary old-school Baptist that donates to a whole host of anti-LGBT organizations. So I get my chicken sandwiches elsewhere.

[Chicago Girl]

WalMart

[Debs]

First time at your blog and was amazed to see someone else going through exactly what I'm going through. I boycott a lot of things. My husband doesn't understand the point of it, but I see it as my own personal, moral responsibility when have information about a company, product or person. I can't just look the other way. I considered boycotting Whole Foods(they just came to my town 2 weeks ago), but after much thought and deliberation, I decided that I was really only hurting the local farmers who supply the food to WF, so I decided to change my views on that subject and support them. As far as the meat-eating vs. rape issue (Natalie Portman), I am reading the book "Eating Animals" and it is really opening my eyes about eating meat. I have found that I can no longer justify it (nor do I want to). I am on a path of discovery towards a vegetarian and, possibly, vegan diet. I encourage you to read this book. Thank you for your thoughts and your blog.

[Debs]

Oh here's another one: Curves. Right wing, anti-choice, etc. No way am I going there.

[jenny]

I guess I'd say I do less to take money away from people I disagree with and more to give money to those I do agree with. So I think getting vaccinated--showing there's a need/interest in it is sort of a vote for science.

Likewise I am all for fois gras and I will go to restaurants that serve it.

I do sign up for a lot of mail from people whose organizations I hate so that they'll waste money sending me things. And then I immediately recycle that shit.

I do avoid Coors and other anti-gay orgs.

[Renate]

McDonalds. I've driven my friends mad by refusing to eat there.

[B]

Leslie - You're right. I get those, "can't you take a joke," comments all the time. And my response is always, I can choose to spend my money however I want. And supporting a*holes is not the best use of my cash. And people eye roll about my eating choices, because I only bring "real" food (roughly as defined by Michael Pollan) into my home. And I don't believe in dieting or fake sugar or low-fat alternatives to "real" food. But I try my hardest to explain that these are MY choices. And while I won't pretend they're not my beliefs, I'm not trying to change the way the people around me live.

It's constantly frustrating how upset people become when I share any of this. Are my personal choices really so subversive and threatening?

[julie g.]

Thanks for clarifying your stance on Franken's amendment. Because I like you, even though you're a total stranger. And I would hate to have to cut you.

[Darby]

Leslie, We think very differently but I like you and I think {for the most part} you are honorable & respectful to those you oppose. It's refreshing to read that you oppose some of the things I support, yet in no way do I feel treatened by you, nor do I feel as though you make me feel like less of a person or stupid because of what I choose to believe or believe in. I am pro-life and I do believe in Creation, I admit to being ignorant about Prop 8 but what from I've read on your blog... I'd likely be one of it's supporters, however, I can't comment on it because I don't know enough about it. Anyway, as a side note, because most of what I believe in and support is commonly supported by conservative Christians I want to make a point of saying that I think it's important that Christians not be ignorant about the Bible and it's teachings and simply believe something because it's "in the Bible". I believe it is inspired by God but I also think a LOT of it's really hard to believe. Being a Christian doesn't mean a person has to leave their brain at the door... and I think a lot {maybe most} of Christians do. So, while I believe it... I also wrestle with it regularly.

PETA--- don't get me started.

Please tell me what a "birther" is? I'm ignorant on that one.

[Leslie/Squid]

Darby,

I'd be lying if I said I didn't hold my breath a little (scared) knowing that you and Erika will read what I put out there and I'm very well aware that there will be differences of opinion and beliefs. Above all else I think the world is big and grand enough for everyone, conservatives, liberals, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Gays, Straights and everyone in between to have joy. Its just when because of our differences we can't all work together that frustrates me to no end. I've dabbled in Christianity (and other religions and never found a place where I felt that I fit) and I've voted Republican. I was baptized and confirmed Episcopalian. I just become concerned when people bring these differences into public businesses and even more so into legislation in way that clearly alienates those that are different. The point of my post was really to show that when I start researching something and get carried away I end up boycotting those that I feel like are boycotting against me. And there's the irony.

I don't think there is any difference too large that we can't somehow have a dialogue and have respect and even good friendship. I don't think you're stupid for your beliefs. I think you and Erika are gorgeous people who genuinely love your fellow man and there is nothing stupid about that. You are both examples that you CAN be conservative Christians and have respect for us wacky liberals. Many people out here would rather see all religion wiped off the map, but I wouldn't dare wish to take away something that means so much to so many. We have to all be cooperative and understanding in public spheres and not try to legislate or discriminate against each other based on our personal beliefs. That's not freedom. We have our private homes to raise our families with the values we believe in but in order to have a smooth running society it doesn't matter if we're Good Christians or Good Seculars just as long as we're all good.

Thanks again,
Leslie

[Zanne]

Hallmark and Clairol Herbal Essence products!
Zanne

[Alex]

Misogynists, anti-women, anti-feminist organizations, anything that smacks of religion (any kind of religion, boarding school gave me a long-term allergy), and anti-gay organizations. I won't set foot in a Wal-Mart or Sam's, which was a real PITA when I lived in Knoxville as a student, let me tell you.

I also won't set foot in Toys in Babeland (for the last five years), because I saw a comic book with what were obviously drawn to look like prepubescent girls in explicit sexual situations, because they sell porn dvds I'm uncomfortable with (and they started keeping them right by the door), because they changed their logo from pink to red and added a +- sign to it (wow, pandering to heterosexuals much? Not that there's anything wrong with being straight, mind you), and because they changed their name from Toys in Babeland to Babeland, bringing the focus from fun to sexy women. Ugh. Not that I get exercised about it. Oh no. I swear to god, I boycott so many sex shops in the states that I have to go to Canada for my lube. No, I'm really not kidding.

I say fucking right on with intolerance. Do what makes you happy. People are too hypersensitive about excluding anyone or discriminating. What they don't realize is that every time they make a decision they're "discriminating." Most idiots don't have a firm grasp on the English language.