The podcast explores the rise of the anti-woke economy and controversial boycotts by right-wing activists targeting 'woke' companies. It also discusses the creation of a parallel economy and the surprising alliance between conservatives and Wall Street. The ultimate goal of the anti-woke movement is examined, along with creatively bringing companies back in line with right-wing values.
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Quick takeaways
Conservatives are using boycotts to target companies holding progressive values and promoting anti-woke products.
The emergence of a right-wing parallel economy aims to create an ecosystem of conservative-approved products, challenging the influence of big business.
Deep dives
Conservative Backlash against Progressive Companies
The podcast discusses how conservatives are increasingly targeting companies that hold progressive values and are launching boycott campaigns against them. One example is the backlash faced by Bud Light when they sent a gift to a transgender influencer. This boycott is part of a larger movement aimed at pushing anti-work products and services and promoting conservative-approved alternatives.
The Rise of the Parallel Economy
The podcast examines the emergence of a parallel economy that is being built by the right. This parallel economy consists of right-wing approved companies and products branded as anti-work. The podcast explores how the right is creating a whole ecosystem encompassing various sectors, from clothing and coffee to financial advisory services. It also touches on the significance of creating a distinct identity around these products.
Public Square: The Right-Wing Amazon Alternative
The podcast discusses the launch of an anti-work marketplace called Public Square, which aims to be an alternative to Amazon and serve as the hub for the parallel economy. Public Square, backed by prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr., is positioning itself as a right-wing business venture, attracting vendors and users who align with conservative values. It explores the implications of this Wall Street debut and the changing relationship between big business and the right.
Consumer boycotts were once thought of as a tactic primarily employed by the left, but the right has recently used them to great effect—just ask Anheuser-Busch and Target, to name just two companies that have recently been caught in conservatives’ crosshairs. Perhaps not surprisingly, given our polarized moment, there’s a movement among conservatives to create an economy of explicitly right-wing alternatives to everyday products. What caused the rupture between conservatives and big business? Is the notion of a parallel economy even realistic, or is it primarily about bringing corporations to heel on social issues? On episode 70 of The Politics of Everything, co-host Laura Marsh surveys the right’s parallel economy with Kathryn Joyce, who wrote about it in the October issue of The New Republic.