Grassroots organizers are calling for an economic boycott from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2 in United States. Reacting to the government shutdown, which included disagreements between the Democrats and Republicans over bill funding government services, and rising social and economic issues, the boycott calls for Americans to stop spending on those dates or to divert their spending to locally-owned stores.

The objective of the spending bill was for Congress to send a plan to the president, but controversies delayed this process and became a government shutdown. 

Citizens are extremely upset with the government shutdown so they have planned to shut down the economy. Americans are encouraged to stop all spending and working to make this boycott successful. The shutdown is intended to serve as a reminder to the government of the power the people have. Organizers said, “The real power belongs to the people.”

Occurring during the start of the holiday season where most people are bound to spend large amounts of money, the dates were chosen to disrupt corporate profits, though the boycott may be more difficult to carry out as many adults and young people, with help of online shopping, spend the consecutive days after Thanksgiving shopping. 

“It would definitely impact my routine a lot. Since it is the holiday season, it will be difficult to avoid shopping for gifts. People are extremely used to spending money, especially around the holidays,” Annalise Brian, sophomore, said.

Boycotts can have mixed results when it comes to effectiveness. Participation in this boycott may be impacted by holiday spending, making it challenging to make a difference. 

Overall, while the goal of the boycott is to show the power people have over the economy, it may not have the impact organizers hope for. Although it may not have the preferred impact, it may still deliver the message of the power of the people to take a stand for what they believe in.