EP. 860: SHOPPING ISN'T A STRATEGY

In this episode of *This Is Revolution*, host Jason Miles and guests Pascal Robert, M. Toussaint, and others dissect the myth that consumer choices—like boycotting Walmart or Amazon—constitute meaningful political strategy. Drawing from Eric Blanc’s essay *Shopping Isn’t a Strategy*, the conversation dismantles the romanticization of individual consumer resistance as a substitute for collective, organized action. The hosts argue that while boycotts may feel empowering, they are often ineffective, poorly coordinated, and fail to address systemic issues like class, labor rights, and structural inequality. They critique the performative radicalism seen in online left spaces, where calls for a 'general strike' are treated as easy, scalable solutions without the infrastructure, solidarity, or material support needed for real change. The discussion expands into broader cultural critiques: the gamification of life through apps, dating, and online content; the rise of 'performance radicalism' where visibility replaces organizing; and the psychological toll of isolation in the digital age. The episode concludes with a call to return to historical models of organizing—like the Delano grape strike and the Jobs and Opportunities Council—emphasizing long-term, community-based work over viral gestures. The hosts stress that real change requires sustained effort, not just personal abstinence or digital outrage.