Disclaimer: This article is written without antisemitism or bias towards Jewish people; the article does provide information on the ongoing assault on Gaza launched by Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The stigma around boycotting leads people to believe it has no impact, that it’s a trivial pursuit against big commercial enterprises, but forfeiting the products of big companies franchised by faceless figures for ones from local businesses. Not only does it contribute to the local community, but it demonstrates support to those in need.
“Boycotting companies is good, because if they’re directly funding something that you don’t support, then you’re putting your money towards something that you don’t believe, you can be doing something, you can be using something else with that money, other than supporting something that you don’t believe or support,” OH junior and Muslim Student Association (MSA) vice president Sedra Abdelmaguid said.
Despite being unable to physically aid the citizens of Gaza, as previously stated, boycotting corporations that back the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) makes an impact, as seen with Starbucks’s recent loss in market value.
Downtown Oswego is home to many local businesses such as Oak + Bean, My Little Sisters Donut Shoppe, and the famously beloved The Village Grind.
OH sophomore and MSA Communications Manager Sahar Zaheer has made the change from hosting study sessions at an impersonal Starbucks to The Village Grind.
“When I told my friends about the boycotting, they were like: ‘Of course, we’re going to boycott with you, because we support Gaza, and we do not support genocide’,” said Zaheer. “We love The Village Grind, they are the best, and I love drinking coffee there.”
Oswegoians can even go further than Oswego and branch out to other self-run businesses like Atrevete Confections in Montgomery, Endiro Coffee Roastery in Aurora, Moka Coffee in North Aurora, and Dear Donuts in St. Charles which specializes in decadent cream-filled donuts with flavors that rotate monthly and Korean corndogs.
9Bar in Aurora offers a Pan-Asian menu, featuring filling rice bowls topped with generous servings of tempura, pork, etc., Korean bao buns, and multiple types of warm ramen, in addition to its broad boba and milk tea menu.
“I like the atmosphere and the futuristic aesthetic there,” said OH senior Ayden Berrones. “[The] scallion pancakes were also grilled to perfection.”
If readers want real, authentic chai, they can visit the recently opened Chai Ho Jai in Naperville. Instead of a commercialized, boring chai from Starbucks, you can indulge in proper South Asian chai.
Chai Ho Jai features a scrumptious menu of not only different chais but also coffees, other beverages, savory snacks and meals, and dessert options. Readers can enjoy their offerings from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am, making this a nighttime option open later than most places, including Starbucks.
Local alternatives are not just limited to eateries but also enhance the shopping experience. Oswego is home to both Mod Stitch and Hudson Design House, both of whom encourage vintage shopping and are recognized for their collection of artisanal products that are sure to become personal favorites.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement composes a strategically focused list of companies that actively back Israel to achieve meaningful and sustainable results.
Credit: BDS Movement
Companies that can be sustainably boycotted by the average person on a day-to-day basis are labeled as “pressure targets” and “organic boycott targets.”
Pressure targets aim for larger companies accountable. While it’s impossible to fully boycott Google, putting pressure on the organization through social media is possible. Alternatively, lobbying against peaceful disruptions works as suggested by the BDS movement. Companies like The Walt Disney Company, which has pledged $2 million to Israel, would fall into this category and can be pressured by canceling a Disney subscription.
Organic boycott targets refer to brands that openly comply with Israel’s genocide and apartheid against Palestinians. The McDonald’s company continuously donates thousands of free meals to IDF soldiers and has had a franchise sue the pro-Palestinian BDS group. It is a major boycotting target in this category, given its position as one of the largest fast-food chains in the world.
Other companies not officially on the BSD list include Starbucks, which has been under fire for labor complaints, as well as sourcing its coffee from slave and child labor. Even recently, Starbucks has sued its worker union for posting Palestinian support and has lost up to $11 billion.
While 42Fifty is a source of student journalism that focuses on subject matters relating to the needs and interests of the Oswego High School community, it is important to highlight the 100+ day genocide on the Palestinian people of the Gaza Strip by the apartheid state of Israel to dissuade the alienation with the eradication of over 24,000 Palestinian martyrs, most of them being women and children.
Boycotting goes a long way to support. Even though the effect may not be noticeable, as MSA president Abdullah Abouhaiba said, “it’s important to stay focused on other world topics. To stay culturally sensitive, cause at the end of the day we’re all human. It doesn’t have to be about, the country you’re in, or the color you are. If we all know more about each other, and we all stay connected, it’ll help us be stronger.”
42Fiftys very own post-niche internet micro-ecelebrity (mid geoguesser player) that lived through a chronic gas leak that was going on in their house for a little over a year without their knowledge. Their only qualification is that they bring a silly goose vibe to the geese party.
This is my first year publishing articles on 42fifty. I am in my senior year at Oswego High School. I am involved in a variety of extracurriculars, including WE Club, the Muslim Student Association, the Oswego High Coalition, and the National English Honors Society.
