Voting with Your Purchasing Power: A Potent Weapon in the Culture War
By: Andrew Torba
In today’s clown world people are seeking effective means to express their beliefs and fight for causes they hold dear. While protests, social media activism, and political engagement are common approaches, a lesser-known yet powerful weapon in the culture war lies in our purchasing power. The ability to shape corporate behavior and culture through our consumer choices can have a profound impact on the direction society takes. Our purchasing power has a profound impact and we need to start using it more. We can no longer support brands that promote worldviews that are diametrically opposed to Truth. We need to continue making examples of brands who do these things by refusing to purchase their products and services.
The Bud Light Scandal: A Case Study
One compelling case that illustrates the influence consumers can wield is the Bud Light scandal. In an increasingly polarized climate, Bud Light faced severe backlash after running a controversial advertisement by working with a man who thinks he is a woman and putting his face on a Bud Light can. This obviously offended sensible conservative consumers. Fueled by frustration, conservatives organized and launched a boycott, refusing to purchase Bud Light products. It worked.
The impact was significant, as sales plummeted, leaving the company in a dire predicament. Three months later the sales slump continues and Bud Light is in the middle of the worst PR crisis of the year. The episode demonstrated the potency of collective action, highlighting how consumer choices can directly affect a corporation’s bottom line and reputation. We can and must do this with every single brand who mocks God and promotes people and values that are antithetical to our Biblical worldview.
Corporations and Cultural Power
Corporations often wield substantial cultural influence. From advertisements and sponsorships to partnerships with public figures, they actively shape societal narratives. However, this influence is contingent upon consumer demand and loyalty. By continuing to purchase products from companies whose actions or values clash with our own, we inadvertently grant them the cultural power they seek.
Conversely, by consciously redirecting our purchasing power towards businesses that share our values, we can reshape the cultural landscape and promote positive change. Christians often find themselves grappling with the challenge of upholding their values while navigating a secular marketplace. However, there is a growing movement towards building a parallel economy where Christians actively support businesses that share their beliefs and principles.
Supporting Values-Aligned Businesses
Supporting businesses that align with our values is crucial in the battle for cultural influence. By choosing to patronize and financially empower such establishments, we can bolster their growth and impact. Small businesses and startups that reflect our beliefs often lack the vast resources of multinational corporations, making our support all the more meaningful. Additionally, by engaging with these businesses, we foster a sense of community and connection, strengthening networks that promote shared values.
The Power of Economic Alignment
In a society where consumer choices hold considerable sway, aligning economic decisions with religious beliefs can have a profound impact. By actively supporting Christian businesses, people can vote with their wallets and create an ecosystem that aligns with their faith-based values. Such economic alignment can strengthen the Christian community, foster a sense of solidarity, and provide resources for further growth and empowerment.
Why Support Christian Businesses?
Shared Values and Ethical Practices: Christian businesses are often guided by principles that align with biblical teachings. They prioritize honesty, integrity, fair treatment of employees, and ethical sourcing of materials, among other considerations. Supporting these businesses means supporting practices that reflect Christian values and contribute to the common good.
Strengthening the Community: By patronizing Christian businesses, individuals foster a sense of community and belonging. These businesses can become gathering places for like-minded individuals, facilitating connections, fellowship, and support networks. Building a community that shares common values enhances the sense of unity among Christians and fosters a deeper understanding of faith.
Promoting Christian Influence: Supporting Christian businesses can amplify their reach and impact. As these businesses grow and thrive, they gain the ability to contribute to philanthropic causes, support local churches, and engage in charitable initiatives that align with Christian principles. By bolstering their success, Christians can amplify their collective voice and influence in society.
Practical Steps For Building a Parallel Economy
Research and Discover: Seek out Christian businesses that align with your values. Online directories, local church networks, and Christian communities can serve as valuable resources to identify businesses that prioritize their faith in their operations.
Prioritize Collaboration: Foster connections and collaborations within the Christian business community. Networking events, trade shows, and online platforms dedicated to Christian entrepreneurship can facilitate partnerships and collaborations, enabling businesses to support one another and jointly serve their target audience.
Encourage Entrepreneurship: Support and encourage Christian entrepreneurship by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, providing resources, and investing in startups that align with your values. By nurturing and empowering Christian entrepreneurs, the parallel economy can flourish, offering diverse options for consumers while promoting shared beliefs.
Amplify Your Support: Share your positive experiences with Christian businesses on social media, review platforms, and word-of-mouth. Recommendations and endorsements from fellow Christians carry weight and can inspire others to support these businesses. Likewise, constructively engage with businesses when improvements can be made, fostering growth and accountability within the Christian business ecosystem.
In the culture war, voting with your purchasing power emerges as a potent and tangible strategy for expressing your values and effecting change. The Bud Light scandal serves as a vivid reminder that corporations’ cultural power hinges on our consumer choices. Building a parallel economy rooted in Christian values presents a unique opportunity for believers to live out their faith in the marketplace. By intentionally supporting Christian businesses, individuals can align their economic choices with their religious convictions, fostering a sense of community, and contributing to the growth of a values-driven ecosystem.
At Gab we have been working to build the Parallel Economy and have thousands of businesses that share our values. We’ve created a small sample of these businesses organized by category that you can view in our Parallel Economy Shopping Catalog.
As Christians unite in their economic endeavors, they possess the power to shape the marketplace and promote a culture that aligns with their shared beliefs. Let us embrace the potential of a parallel economy and work together to create a flourishing community of Christian businesses built upon the foundation of faith and shared values.
To God be the glory.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
Jesus Christ is King of kings
