Feb 28: Economic Blackout Day

Will it do any good? That's a personal question!

Happy Friday to those who celebrate!

This special last Friday of February is dedicated to an economic boycott. And while a one-day pause on spending doesn’t really hurt the economy in the way organized, enduring boycotts do, we should focus less on that and more on our own personal consumption patterns.

We’ve been trained by our society to always want more. Stores are designed to separate you from your money. The meme about walking into Target or Costco for one thing and walking out with $300 of stuff?

Relatable.

We have been brainwashed to consume more and that our worth is tied up in the material possessions we own. It’s keeping up with the Joneses 101.

Yet another toxic cultural norm.

But that doesn’t mean this economic blackout is a bad idea. I saw a post on Threads (my current social media of choice, besides this one) that said we aren’t so much trying to hit the economy but train ourselves to make do with less; to quit our capitalist habits.

(I wish I had saved this comment to give credit to the commentor. Unfortunately, it’s been lost to the algorithm.)

But that’s an idea I can get behind. Because my platform is all about recognizing the toxic cultural norms we take for granted, I’m embracing this!

So if you’re scoffing at the idea that one day won’t do anything, you’re not wrong. But what if the effect wasn’t meant to be directed outwards anyway? What if this was something you were doing to protect yourself instead?

That makes more sense.

So what else can you do today if we’re not spending money? Well, you know, podcasts are mostly free. Especially this one!

Here are some great ideas from another Threader, Absurdist Words:

Wanna fuck with the Rulers Algorithms?

• Carry a zip lock with sidewalk chalk.

• Play hopscotch on the sidewalk.

• Write love notes to humanity

• Wear a costume to the supermarket

• Find friends and do street karaoke

• Sign work emails "Rainbows and Sunshine!"

• Start a dance party on the street

• Tell everyone you meet about your favorite Muppet

• Have the kind of fun you've been told is beneath you.

• Connect with others when they've told you not to

This was a follow up to a previous thread where he recommended what the rest of us are also saying: choose joy.

Joy doesn’t have to come at a cost. The dopamine hit from retail therapy is temporary. Joy is sustainable.

So today, I wish you the strength to choose joy instead of capitalism. I hope you enjoy your Friday.