---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Dennis DeSantis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>What I object to is a form of political protest that involves BUYING the >things being protested against. i would have to say that there's a large philosophical difference between mindless consumption of lowest common denominator goods and the purchase of said goods for use in radioboy style demonstration. in fact, i find something almost fantastic about abusing the purchase by turning it around on the corporations. i think his protest is more against the complacent mindset of the people than the specific products themselves. changing the mindset of people will harm all corporations, not just the ones he targets. >If, as Tom suggested, for every Big Mac or Starbucks latte that Herbert >purchases for use in his shows, 5 people decide never to spend money at >those companies again, then he´s done something wonderful and powerful. > But there´s simply no way to know. there's no way to ever be sure if any form of protest is working. i dont think that means you should quit or change strategy unless you can see for sure that it ISNT working. im sure herbert gets his share of email telling him about positive effects his politically motivated music has on people. we cant see those, but im sure they exist. >No one at any level of the McDonalds or Starbucks corporate hierarchy >could care less what you do with their products AFTER you´ve paid for >them. Companies don´t exist to make products. They exist to make >profits. And unless Herbert KNOWS that he´s decreasing sales, then he´s >doing more harm than good. i absolutely disagree with that part of your argument. plenty of designer brands have expressed irritation with hiphop stars for name dropping them, in effect dropping their prestige factor but also undoubtedl increasing sales. right now herbert is a small time kind of performer, but if his crowds increase, those corporations will care, im sure of it. >One more time: I´m NOT blasting him for taking a stand. I think his >writings on the subject of corporate bloat are brilliant, his music even >more so. you can look at this through the pessimist's eyes: one person buying or not buying these products isnt going to make a difference. this is why what he does almost MUST be more efficient than simply not spending money on the products. with the amount of commerce generated by the radio boy performances ($100 tops per show? maybe even less, id bet.) its not going to make a difference, especially when you consider the possible positive effects. tom tom ________________________________________________________________ andythepooh.com
