Reply #56: It IS largely symbolic, but...

[InvisibleTouch]

... it's a good symbolism, and it can lead to bigger things. Those who have said "necessities that aren't bought tomorrow, will simply be bought the day before or the day after," are absolutely correct - I did it today myself, went out and got everything I needed, so I wouldn't be spending that money tomorrow. But it's the same money, of course, and it would have gone into the same pockets. So in that sense, yeah, it's symbolic more so than practical.

However. Symbolism is a powerful force, and I would never, ever discount its importance. It's all about inspiration and solidarity. A one-day boycott that lots of people participate in, helps us realize that we can make the choice about what to buy and when to spend. That way we start exercising conscious control over our spending habits, and that's the first step toward cutting out the non-essentials, and becoming dedicated to buying blue. Forgive the cliche', but the longest journey starts with a single step. If we can make small changes for just one day, we can make bigger changes too. It's like quitting smoking for just one day; if you can quit for one day, maybe, just maybe, you can quit for a lifetime.

Tomorrow, while I'm not going to the stores or filling up my gas tank or making my usual daily dash to the post office, I'm going to be looking for ways to cut down even further on monthly expenses. Have got a couple of ideas posted in the Economic Activism forum, and would love to hear additional ones. That way, a single days' boycott can have a long-lasting positive effect. It's the first step.