How Easy Does a Revolution Need to Be?

A "movement" really only needs one person to step up and lead

A decade ago, I was walking the streets of Sorrento (Italy) and marveling at the distinct lack of ‘big box’ stores.

On the same trip, I was taking a high speed train back to Rome, to fly home, and saw no billboards. Zero. Zip. Zilch.

Being in another country that manages to have a happy community of people who live their days without needing to talk about boycotting big business for one day, I recognized that the US ‘way of life’ is broken.

Each day, I see another reminder of an upcoming ‘consumer rebellion day’ or a list of places to boycott. I do my part, I participate (I’m currently skipping Amazon for the next week.) Every time I do it, I think… “I wish I could do more.”

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It takes a (global) village…

When it comes to switching from a single day of boycotting to changing your relationship with consumption, it's a mindset shift.

By making Amazon/Walmart/Target non-optional, you remove the option.

If your first thought isn't "Let me hop on Amazon" it's a lot easier to look at other options.

And that's really what this all comes down to, "easier."

People want to shop at these online or megastores because they can buy a new headlight for their car at the same time they're buying toothpaste and some pasta. And you can have it all here in 3 days.

Do you really need it in 3 days? Not if you're paying attention.

Do you need to buy all three things at the same place? Again, attention based.

While I won't blame the internet for making us stop paying attention, it has definitely turned every decision into one of convenience.

Years ago, in the age of CDs, (in response to everyone downloading MP3s 'illegally'), I saw some suggestion that people will do the right thing if you make it easier. That rang true to me then, so it's stuck around.

I think the problem right now is that everyone is waiting for someone else to make it easy.

We’re chanting our support of Luigi, and waiting for the next person to step up and take the risk that we can’t, because “I’ve got a family to support” or “I’m already underwater working 2 jobs.”

I’m not saying people need to 3D print their own guns and go vigilante… I’m saying people need to consider removing some convenience from their life if it means taking some power away from “the 1%.”

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“Easy” vs “Easier”

Life is hard, we’re all busy, money is tight. There are so many reasons that we want the easiest solution, and I can’t pretend I’m not guilty of any or all of them. However, having everything cheap, easy and convenient removes our agency.

Target has taken away your freedom to choose who you support.

Amazon has made it easy to send your money out of your community, away from the local markets. They’re literally killing the entry level work for people just starting their careers.

Home Depot lets me get all of my nails and boards at the same time I’m buying shingles and siding. I can even buy cleaning products for the inside. I can get, soup to nuts, everything it takes to build a structure on my property from one store.

Meanwhile, the local hardware store struggles to get your attention and focuses on niche products, in hopes of having some similar allure.

Billionaire run, mega-corporations own everything, and they have the budget to convince you to spend money on them.

Buying new tools? Chances are a) many of the ‘competing’ brands are the same parent and b) they’re probably being manufactured in China. This article from ProTool Reviews has a great chart.

And that’s just talking about tools! Have you seen how much Procter and Gamble own? Nestle?

It’s easy, it’s VERY EASY, to end up putting money into corporations you’re opposed to, simply because they own almost everything.

At least the regime change is making a lot of our easy purchases more difficult, or at least more expensive. This, in turn, makes other options seem easier to consider.

The more inconvenient one option becomes, the easier it is to consider another. It’s the reverse of Amazon’s path to success. They made it easier to buy books, and as they made more money, they just expanded their offering.

Amazon successfully boiled the frog, (we’re the frog, if that’s unclear.)

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Everyone wants to revolt, nobody wants to lead…

You don’t have to be a genius to see the patterns, to recognize that the United States is collapsing rapidly. We could debate that it’s been happening since the 80s, but that’s missing the point… it’s happening quickly, and it’s clear that nobody is “coming to save us.”

Talking to people, reading the news, or social media, or watching the videos. The majority of American citizens are not happy. Yes, majority. Trump’s victory was a victory of apathy and misinformation, and the base of people who support him is small. There is enough dissent that we could make a difference… if we just knew how.

Revolution against the government? - Who is leading, what can I do with 'minimal effort'

Revolution against corporations/monopolies? - Where do I go, how can I have a simple solution for everything, how do I know where my money is going?

Those questions just need a solution that is convenient and simple.

People can be bold if they feel like they’re not alone, or not at risk.

Rebellion is an act of intention, and needs to be nurtured and supported.

Unfortunately, I don't have answers. I’m not writing this to announce my candidacy for running the revolution.

For now, the only visible and strong option is to dissent in the easiest way possible, attack their wallets.

Stop putting money into the hands of those who use it to abuse you.

Care enough about humanity to do more than shrug and buy your Tesla.

While “one person can’t make a difference”, a group of 1 million can, and that’s just one million “one persons.”

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Ok, so what do I do?

Act locally. In any way you can, go to a local store for your purchases. Whenever possible, go to a locally owned store instead of a chain.

Make your own lunch.

Visit the local farmer’s market.

Join a local co-op for purchases.

Print out a list of stores, products and companies to boycott and make it non-optional.

Look up the protests happening… online, locally and regionally. Show up by spending the money you have with the people you agree with, and by making your voice heard.

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A solution waiting to happen

When it comes to purchases, I think the change can happen.

The thing to focus on is making it easy, or by considering the alternative to be more difficult.

What we need is a website that feels as convent as Amazon, but makes it easier for the local mom & pop to add their inventory, and for me to see who has something locally.

Being able to easily confirm that a locally owned, ethically run company has what we need it, or can order from a warehouse, the only difficult part is choosing to pay extra to support them.

Unfortunately, I (like most of you) are stuck on "gee, it'd be nice if someone else did this" right now.

The solution is likely a grassroots solution, people with varied skills coming together, contributing their time to create a non-profit solution focused on empowering communities.

What would YOU be willing to sacrifice to make a change?