A Nationwide Consumer Revolt: The February 28th Economic Blackout
A grassroots movement is calling on American consumers to abstain from purchasing goods from major retailers on February 28th, 2024, in a protest dubbed the "Economic Blackout." This nationwide demonstration stems from growing frustration over escalating prices for essential goods and services, including food, gas, housing, and utilities. The rising cost of eggs, which reached an average of $4.95 a dozen in January, serves as a potent symbol of the financial strain felt by many Americans. The protest aims to send a clear message to corporations and politicians about the public’s discontent with current economic conditions.
The Economic Blackout is spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, a newly formed grassroots organization founded by John Schwarz. While the group claims no political affiliation, it advocates for fairness, economic justice, and systemic change. The blackout’s message resonates with individuals like Pat Gavin-Gordon, an 83-year-old lifelong activist from Minneapolis, and Isabel Cotarelo, a 69-year-old artist from Kingston, New York. Both women view the protest as a means to express their disapproval of various societal issues, from the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by corporations to perceived government overreach influenced by wealthy individuals like Elon Musk. Their participation reflects a broader sentiment of resistance against perceived injustices.
The protest has gained significant traction on social media, with Schwarz’s Instagram following exploding from 11,000 to 250,000 in just one week. The People’s Union website has also seen a surge in traffic, recording over 600,000 views in the same period. Prominent figures, including John Leguizamo, Stephen King, and Bette Midler, have amplified the blackout’s message through their social media platforms, further broadening its reach. The rapid growth of the movement underscores the mounting public frustration with current economic and social conditions.
The February 28th date was strategically chosen to allow ample time for publicizing the event and mobilizing participation. The call to action urges consumers to refrain from all purchases, both online and in-store, at major retailers for the entire 24-hour period. Schwarz emphasizes that the boycott does not intend to disrupt essential payments or force people to forego necessities. He encourages supporting local businesses instead, highlighting the importance of redirecting spending away from large corporations. The focus on local businesses underscores the movement’s aim to empower smaller entities while holding larger corporations accountable.
While some analysts are skeptical about the single-day boycott’s potential impact on major retailers, given that consumer spending comprises nearly 70% of U.S. GDP, others see the potential for a snowball effect. Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, acknowledges the limited direct impact of a one-day boycott but suggests it could spark further protests across the country. The People’s Union is already planning future boycotts targeting specific retailers, including a week-long boycott of Amazon scheduled for March 7-14. This strategy of sustained, targeted action indicates an intention to maintain pressure on corporations.
Regardless of the immediate outcome, Schwarz believes the movement has already achieved its initial goal of raising awareness and mobilizing a collective voice. He sees the February 28th blackout as a symbolic "shot in the air" – a declaration of resistance by those feeling increasingly marginalized and unheard. The movement’s focus extends beyond immediate economic impact to fostering long-term change and empowering individuals to participate in shaping a more just and equitable society. Even if the boycott fails to significantly impact corporate profits, it marks a significant moment of collective action fueled by widespread economic anxiety and social concerns.