A social media-driven campaign has organized an ‘economic blackout’ for February 28, urging consumers to abstain from spending for 24 hours as a form of protest against large corporations. The initiative, led by the People’s Union USA, aims to highlight economic inequality and pressure corporations to address consumer concerns amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Founder John Schwarz, a meditation teacher from the Chicago area, emphasizes that the movement is about solidarity and demonstrating consumer power. While the impact of such boycotts remains uncertain, past examples like Target’s 2023 sales decline during the Pride Month controversy suggest they can influence corporate behavior. The People’s Union USA plans additional boycotts in the coming months. — news from The Washington Post