The difference between Rome and a corporation is that a corporation can now be global.

Over 5 billion people have access to the internet. There is simply no way for all of these people to be informed. Reddit is a prime example of something taking 20 years to get where it is, having a “mass exodus” and being… barely affected (their words, not mine!)

Don’t get me wrong, I am tired of it too, but the reality is that we are more people today than we ever have been historically. As a result, a mere 100,000 is both enough to keep a company alive regardless of whether the other 5 billion buy or not.

I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t attempt boycotting, just that our tactics need to change for modernity. Boycotting when you and your whole town stopped buying from Joe’s Wares worked. Boycotting now that Joe’s Wares can make sales online means your town is never getting rid of him, regardless of whether you all never buy from him and actively dissuade others from doing so.

For good measure, I agree with your concept in regards to most things - general good deeds, small actions that have cascading effects on the people and the world around you. It’s just difficult to find that the intent of boycotts, which is to effectively end a businesses customer stream, is effective with the tools available today.

It’s a difficult issue. I’m definitely not suggesting we shouldn’t attempt boycotting, just that our tactics need to change for modernity. As you said, they are already difficult to accomplish effectively. Even just 50 years ago, you and your whole town stopped buying from Joe’s Wares could work. Today, boycotting now that Joe’s Wares can make sales online means your town is never getting rid of him, regardless of whether you all never buy from him and actively dissuade others from doing so.

Moreso if Joe’s Wares knows they can buy reviews and other scummy tactics to make them look more worthwhile than they are.

That’s an interesting snippit, definitely something that feels true to society today still. Similar to how I said is disheartening in how many people are apathetic to a cause, that’s a very apt description to what exactly about it becomes so tiring.