I recently received an email addressed to a group of muslims telling us not to drink Coke, eat Big Macs or use Johnson & Johnson products together with a list of many other “American” products. It called on the Muslims to boycott these products to help their fellow Muslims in Gaza.
As far as the conflict in Gaza goes, I agree that the Isreali action is clearly inhumane and should be stopped. This is not in doubt and even the western media and some Jews have condemned the military action in Gaza. What I do question is the efficacy of a boycott on Coke, Big Macs and J&J baby shampoo. For the first time in a long time I clicked on the “reply all” button and questioned whether a boycott would actually do anything at all.
I received a lot of pictures about the atrocities in Gaza and how as a Muslim I needed to strengthen myself. To clarify matters, I don’t question that what is going in Gaza is atrocious and despicable. What I do question is the effect of a boycott.
Let’s assume that our hypothetical entrepreneur, Ali, has saved up and finally paid for a Starbucks franchise in Malaysia. He then hires 20 people to work in this franchise. As a result of the franchise, the local bakery gets more business and Abu, the owner hires 2 more staff. If Starbucks faces a boycott, Ali may have to close down and retrench his staff of 20. Abu, the local bakery owner may have to retrench his 2 additional staff. Are these people responsible for what is going on in Gaza?
For those of you who send emails on they boycott, please think of the people who will be harmed. Think about the effect of your actions on the Ali’s and Abu’s and their staff. More importantly, think of the children of Ali and Abu’s staff.
