Los Angeles residents react to National Economic Blackout Day
LOS ANGELES (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Some L.A. residents responded to the call for a national economic blackout day on Friday from the People's Union USA, and more boycotts are in the works for next week.
"Prove a point to them! they need us. They need our dollars," said Davonta Herring, a Los Angeles resident.
"I want to support the blackout but I can't really support it when I need things, you know," said Rasheda Bagnerise, another Los Angeles resident.
No shopping at major retailers online, in stores or at the gas station. Only at small businesses.
The group's leader, John Schwarz, says it's to show corporations and politicians that "We the People" control the economy.
"So many people say they wanna take part in something. Well, this is the easiest way you'll ever have to do it. You don't have to do anything. You don't have to go anywhere, and don't spend any money," Schwarz explained.
Schwarz put out the call on Instagram about three weeks ago in response to companies like Target, Walmart and Facebook rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) recruiting practices.
According to consumer data company Numerator, a survey of 1,300 U.S. shoppers found about one in three was aware of the blackout before Friday.
Yet just one in six planned to participate in it, with nearly half of those people making purchases ahead of time to prepare.
Nearly two-thirds say they've *already* stopped purchasing from a brand or retailer over disagreeing with their policies, values and business practices.
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Economics Professor Sung Sohn weighed the pros and cons since consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the U.S. economy.
"It can affect revenues of the companies that we're talking about and it could force social and economic change," Professor Sohn said.
But Sohn says regardless of how many people participate, "One day may not be enough."
Los Angeles residents shared their thoughts on the blackout.
"I'm just like look, I need to get my babies something to eat tonight cause I don't feel like cooking. I've been at work all day, but I like totally forgot...dang," Bagnerise shared.
"I think it'll take a lot of time for them to notice and if only a few people do it, it's not gonna make a difference," said Marlon Alfaro, another Los Angeles resident.
The People's Union is already gearing up for three weeklong protests of Amazon, Nestle and Walmart, which starts next friday.
Meanwhile, there's the 40 day "Target Fast" supported by black faith leaders to start on Wednesday, and the #LatinoFreeze is encouraging shoppers to hold their money when it comes to actions companies have taken on DEI freezes and immigration issues.
When asked if she thinks that this will work, Herring said, "I think it can work. I think if we get enough people that's down and gonna participate, it could definitely have an impact."
However, Sohn remains skeptical: "Generally when you have boycotts of this kind, economic impact is temporary."
