Make Shopping A Pleasure Again
In the wake of January 6, 2021, it was revealed that one of the heirs to the Publix Supermarkets fortune funded the bulk of the insurrection. Some stories were printed. A few politicians made remarks. #boycottpublix trended for a minute. Publix issued a statement clarifying the person in question did not have an operational role in the company. Then the story disappeared.
Publix is a popular grocery store in the southern United States for good reason. Their motto is: Where shopping is a pleasure. And, it is. The stores are clean. Staff is friendly. Products are high quality. Shelves are always stocked.
In many cities the Lakeland, FL- based chain is the best option in town. Well, the best option in predominantly white, middle and upper class town. Folks who shop at Publix often have choices. It is time for those folks to exercise their privilege in furtherance of a more just world.
If January 6th were an outlier — a family member adjacent to the company doing something abhorrent — this would be a huge and unfair ask. Grocery stores serve as breadbasket/social club for many communities. Most of us need them for physical and emotional well-being.
In this case, the support of January 6th was part of a pattern of behavior. The company donated a boatload of money to Governor Ron DeSantis, a man whose crimes against democracy will take years to unpack. While Publix donates to both Democrats and Republicans, the list of donations includes people like Matt Gaetz. It is not as if we are talking about Mitt Romney or Liz Cheney.
To boycott every company working against civil rights, democracy, and social progress would be impossible. But, that does not mean we should give in and accept this behavior as an inevitable part of living in today’s world.
Facing down the backslide of democracy can be overwhelming, but all is not lost. The people still have the right to vote. As Republican-led governments across the country are working to halt that right, we have other ways — perhaps more powerful ways — to make our voices heard. Publix and others would make a change if it hurt their bottom line.
Not everyone can do so. Many folks have one option for groceries. Publix does not set up shop on the outskirts of food deserts. Those of us with one nearby do have a choice and the choice is clear. Boycott Publix until they stop funding white nationalists and the erosion of democracy. Demand an apology while you are at it. Let’s Make Shopping a Pleasure Again.