What? Are you a Russian Cat? You are banned.
It is ridiculous when most people, especially Russian supporters, see this news, “International Cat Federation bans Russian felines from competitors.”
What? Is a cat. Such sanctions are not helpful, even funny.
Well, are they?
On March 1, Apple announced it was pausing its business operations in Russia, including suspending Apple Pay. Many Russians found themselves stuck on the subway station when they first got off the subway, unable to pay with Apple Pay. Google broke all advertising in Russia, TikTok, Netflix stopped serving in Russia, and Disney suspended filming and movie releases. McDonald’s, Papa John’s, Estee Lauder closed all their stores in Russia.
Not only that, but more or less, brands have begun to support Ukraine with their efforts, both in material and financial terms. Meanwhile, blue and yellow are dominating social media. Whether it’s luxury brands, grocery apps, or fashion designers, they’re taking their stand on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites.
For brands, it shows what they stand for and attracts many customers to buy their products and establish a stronger connection. The counterexample is Nestle. Nestle has remained silent, leaving them vulnerable to online trolls and product boycotts. Although we call on everyone to have their own choices and thoughts, going on like this is not suitable for the brand’s reputation and sales.
Compared with the World Wars of decades or even centuries ago, we could only understand the local conditions through the photos taken by war reporters in newspapers. And we can’t do anything to help the refugees. The age of the Internet was quite different now, with the president of Ukraine even sending our numerous tweets, including about the local maternity hospital in Ukraine that was bombed to the ground. It certainly touches the hearts of people all over the world. After seeing such a tragic situation, people will blame Russia, which started the war and imposed harsh sanctions on it.
We shouldn’t underestimate the power of social media. Nor should they be ignored. To a large extent, they have sealed off the Russian people, materially and spiritually, although the war’s mistakes should not be allowed civilians to suffer instead. But boycotts, over time, will also disintegrate Russia from within. People will start protesting against the war and maybe end this farce sooner.
Now, it is a peaceful society. We cannot use force due to conflicts of interest. Human beings have evolved into advanced animals, not just by force. Every country has its own choice, and we should respect understanding instead of using power and war to make them obey.
Finally, let’s pray that the war will end soon and that everything social media does is effective and worthwhile.
