I am not calling for a boycott of Target. I believe they want to do the right thing but are faced with a scary situation for the first time. The answer is dialogue with our community.
I understand that you are not calling for one. I think boycott is an effective means of peaceful protest. I am currently boycotting Walgreens and CVS because of their refusal to sell mifepristone in states where it is still legal, but has been challenged, and am willing to add Target to the list if they hide Pride Products. Do you feel calling for a boycott is harmful? I remember my family boycotting grapes and wine when I was a child to support farm workers. I have also walked with MLK and the bus boycott was effective in Montgomery, AL. If dialogue takes place a boycott will not be necessary.
This letter to Target gives one a complete view of the terrible actions taken by customers in the store.
Mr. Takai takes Target's understandable reaction, removing Pride goods, and asks us to compare it to historical events of the past.
Taken in that context, one sees capitulation as being complicit in escalating the attacks on LBGTQ communities, no doubt an unintended consequence Target might regret.
I admire greatly Mr. Takai's writing with the intent of having Target rethink its actions and recommit to the LBGTQ community.
This is a fine example of precisely how we ought to talk with one another in a Democratic society.
Thank you, George. So far, boycotting Florida, Texas, and Target. They will not get a dime from me, as long as they refuse to keep EVERYONE safe. I’m tired of seeing this country going backwards.
Thank you for the eloquent essay George! I was so offended by Target’s action when I heard about it, but it seems to be part of a larger societal trend of bending to the will of a small vocal minority— look at the lawmakers clamoring about drag shows and ignorant “moms” complaining about library books! I would boycott Target but then I never shop there. Instead, I think I’ll go to my local Target and buy some Pride merchandise to proclaim my status as an ally!
I had looked to Target to be my replacement for Amazon. I no longer want to support Amazon because they don't pay employees a living wage. It's why I refuse to shop at Walmart. No company will go out of business because I don't shop there, but I pick and choose where my wallet goes based on values I find important. I had another issue with an online Target order, so I wrote them that letting homophobic bullies dictate putting pride merch in the back oversteps my values. I will no longer be shopping there while this is their response. Unfortunately for Target, they have screwed themselves all around for protecting the real US deity - the almighty dollar. I hope to see them come out with a strong stance reversing the original decision, and I hope this letter contributes to seeing their error. Thank you for writing it.
"Temu is an online marketplace operated in a number of countries by the Chinese-based company PDD Holdings Inc. It offers heavily discounted goods which are mostly shipped to consumers directly from China. Wikipedia" I'm personally not interested in doing business with Chinese companies.
Target isn't an ally. They have also donated huge amounts to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians. They are just trying to cash in. Pride to them is nothing more than Valentine's Day or Cinco de Mayo.... opportunities to make money.
I've been fantasizing about what I call "National Walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes" year. Each year a random group of folks who actually are, in the total picture, a minority, is chosen. Say Italian-Americans. For a year laws just like those attacking blacks or LGBTQ or Muslims would go on the books. The government would harangue the country with the group's stereotypes and encourage boycotts of businesses run by members of the group. (After all, Goebbels' dictum that repeating a lie often enough makes it stick is certainly currently being illustrated to the nth degree.) At the end of the year, the laws would automatically be repealed and a new group chosen--maybe Irish Americans.
On a imperceptibly more likely note, I'd propose a form of national service for all 18 year-olds. They would be REQUIRED to live for a year with a family most opposite to them on the basis of race, location, religion, politics or socio-economic status. Both families and students would be paid. I wonder if this would ease our growing fear of anyone "Other" than us.
Pretty sure there's an AI out there, or about to be out there, that could do the matching.
I’m a parent of two kids, the older is on the Autism spectrum (as am I), and the younger is also neurodivergent. The younger one is also non-binary. My wife and I have raised them to be proud of who they are, and to respect the beliefs of others. However, I have also taught them to stand up for those who are repressed and put down.
Bullies should never be tolerated, and we should stand up to them with peaceful protests and resistance. Businesses who use Pride as solely a means of making money shouldn’t be supported. Those companies who cave out of fear should instead learn from companies like Disney, and stand up to these bullies.
Now, not all of these right wing people are bullies. Those who are just protesting peacefully and boycotting these companies non-violently are doing things in the right way, and should be treated respectfully. Those who are making threats, destroying the property of others, and physically harming or harassing people should be held responsible for their actions.
I was terribly disappointed that Target capitulated so easily to these absurd bullies. Let them make a big noise and show of boycotting. It wouldn’t last and very few would actually stop shopping at Target completely. We are being overtaken by the minority! Stand up to this nonsense!
George ! As always, your unique blend of wisdom, historical perspective, intelligence, razor-wit, and unflinching commitment to truth guide me in sorting out the events of both the past and the present day ! So very grateful !
I'm so glad you wrote this. Unfortunately, changing Pride to Hanukkah shows that nothing has changed for either group. It's the same issues as for LBGTQ+, Asians and other groups maligned by a small group of very loud extremists. The extremists are getting louder and we as a country are heading in the wrong direction in terms of personal freedom and acceptance. I only hope corporations like Target listen and take a stand - if enough groups do, more people will listen.
Bravo. Hopefully, they'll listen and put things right. We are stronger together.
Right on! If Target and their employees are not allies, then it is time to boycott Target.
I am not calling for a boycott of Target. I believe they want to do the right thing but are faced with a scary situation for the first time. The answer is dialogue with our community.
I understand that you are not calling for one. I think boycott is an effective means of peaceful protest. I am currently boycotting Walgreens and CVS because of their refusal to sell mifepristone in states where it is still legal, but has been challenged, and am willing to add Target to the list if they hide Pride Products. Do you feel calling for a boycott is harmful? I remember my family boycotting grapes and wine when I was a child to support farm workers. I have also walked with MLK and the bus boycott was effective in Montgomery, AL. If dialogue takes place a boycott will not be necessary.
I just signed a MoveOn petition asking Target to put Pride Merch back into the Stores. You can find it on MoveOn or sign it here. https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/demand-target-put-pride-2023-merch-back-into-the-stores
They also offer an alternative place to get Pride Merch, which is not a boycott.
https://front.moveon.org/
Yes!! Don't back down, fight back! Don't allow these people to bully you.
This letter to Target gives one a complete view of the terrible actions taken by customers in the store.
Mr. Takai takes Target's understandable reaction, removing Pride goods, and asks us to compare it to historical events of the past.
Taken in that context, one sees capitulation as being complicit in escalating the attacks on LBGTQ communities, no doubt an unintended consequence Target might regret.
I admire greatly Mr. Takai's writing with the intent of having Target rethink its actions and recommit to the LBGTQ community.
This is a fine example of precisely how we ought to talk with one another in a Democratic society.
Thank you, George. So far, boycotting Florida, Texas, and Target. They will not get a dime from me, as long as they refuse to keep EVERYONE safe. I’m tired of seeing this country going backwards.
Thank you for the eloquent essay George! I was so offended by Target’s action when I heard about it, but it seems to be part of a larger societal trend of bending to the will of a small vocal minority— look at the lawmakers clamoring about drag shows and ignorant “moms” complaining about library books! I would boycott Target but then I never shop there. Instead, I think I’ll go to my local Target and buy some Pride merchandise to proclaim my status as an ally!
I absolutely agree! I think I will also go to Tar-ghey and buy some Pride merchandise.
Me too---in support for ALL my non-hetero brothers and sisters AND humanity as a whole !
Amen! Beautifully written! I hope they listen.
I had looked to Target to be my replacement for Amazon. I no longer want to support Amazon because they don't pay employees a living wage. It's why I refuse to shop at Walmart. No company will go out of business because I don't shop there, but I pick and choose where my wallet goes based on values I find important. I had another issue with an online Target order, so I wrote them that letting homophobic bullies dictate putting pride merch in the back oversteps my values. I will no longer be shopping there while this is their response. Unfortunately for Target, they have screwed themselves all around for protecting the real US deity - the almighty dollar. I hope to see them come out with a strong stance reversing the original decision, and I hope this letter contributes to seeing their error. Thank you for writing it.
My Sister--there is always Temu....to fill one's shopping quest. Much more economical !
Thanks! I've never heard of it, but now I have something to go check out as a replacement.
"Temu is an online marketplace operated in a number of countries by the Chinese-based company PDD Holdings Inc. It offers heavily discounted goods which are mostly shipped to consumers directly from China. Wikipedia" I'm personally not interested in doing business with Chinese companies.
Thanks for that heads up as I hadn't looked yet.
Target isn't an ally. They have also donated huge amounts to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians. They are just trying to cash in. Pride to them is nothing more than Valentine's Day or Cinco de Mayo.... opportunities to make money.
Exactly!!!
tremendous essay.
I've been fantasizing about what I call "National Walk-a-mile-in-my-shoes" year. Each year a random group of folks who actually are, in the total picture, a minority, is chosen. Say Italian-Americans. For a year laws just like those attacking blacks or LGBTQ or Muslims would go on the books. The government would harangue the country with the group's stereotypes and encourage boycotts of businesses run by members of the group. (After all, Goebbels' dictum that repeating a lie often enough makes it stick is certainly currently being illustrated to the nth degree.) At the end of the year, the laws would automatically be repealed and a new group chosen--maybe Irish Americans.
On a imperceptibly more likely note, I'd propose a form of national service for all 18 year-olds. They would be REQUIRED to live for a year with a family most opposite to them on the basis of race, location, religion, politics or socio-economic status. Both families and students would be paid. I wonder if this would ease our growing fear of anyone "Other" than us.
Pretty sure there's an AI out there, or about to be out there, that could do the matching.
I’m a parent of two kids, the older is on the Autism spectrum (as am I), and the younger is also neurodivergent. The younger one is also non-binary. My wife and I have raised them to be proud of who they are, and to respect the beliefs of others. However, I have also taught them to stand up for those who are repressed and put down.
Bullies should never be tolerated, and we should stand up to them with peaceful protests and resistance. Businesses who use Pride as solely a means of making money shouldn’t be supported. Those companies who cave out of fear should instead learn from companies like Disney, and stand up to these bullies.
Now, not all of these right wing people are bullies. Those who are just protesting peacefully and boycotting these companies non-violently are doing things in the right way, and should be treated respectfully. Those who are making threats, destroying the property of others, and physically harming or harassing people should be held responsible for their actions.
I was terribly disappointed that Target capitulated so easily to these absurd bullies. Let them make a big noise and show of boycotting. It wouldn’t last and very few would actually stop shopping at Target completely. We are being overtaken by the minority! Stand up to this nonsense!
George ! As always, your unique blend of wisdom, historical perspective, intelligence, razor-wit, and unflinching commitment to truth guide me in sorting out the events of both the past and the present day ! So very grateful !
And I am grateful to my fans who have shown such support over these many years!
Thank you for this. 👏👏
Indeed. I cannot improve upon Martin Niemoller's poem.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
We must stand up for each other, before they separate us and destroy us, one by one.
I'm so glad you wrote this. Unfortunately, changing Pride to Hanukkah shows that nothing has changed for either group. It's the same issues as for LBGTQ+, Asians and other groups maligned by a small group of very loud extremists. The extremists are getting louder and we as a country are heading in the wrong direction in terms of personal freedom and acceptance. I only hope corporations like Target listen and take a stand - if enough groups do, more people will listen.