#ConsumerPower

[ptitolier]

When the Market Sanctions Ideology: Tesla's Collapse and the Political Drift of Billionaires

Source: El Manifesto, February 6, 2025 edition, article by Annaflavia Merluzzi.

According to an investigation published in El Manifesto, Tesla sales are plummeting across Europe, with dramatic declines in Germany (-59%), France (-63%), and Norway (-38%). While these figures reflect a broader slowdown in the electric vehicle market, they also reveal a political dynamic: the growing rejection of Elon Musk and his ideological alignment with the far right.

This collapse is not merely an economic sanction—it raises a larger question: can capitalism exist independently of democracy, or will democracy ultimately reassert control?

Reactionary Capital: When the Market Sanctions Ideology

Tesla’s downfall in Germany and across Europe is more than just an economic issue. It highlights a broader phenomenon: the rejection of a capitalism that no longer limits itself to production but seeks to impose a political vision on the world.

Traditionally, the far right has been hostile to both environmentalism and technological progress. At first glance, this makes it a paradoxical ally for a billionaire leading an electric vehicle company. However, Elon Musk’s financial backing of Alice Weidel and the German far-right party AfD reveals another dimension of this alliance: a rejection of ecological transition when framed within a democratic and social context.

A Capitalism That No Longer Hides

Musk embodies a shift in contemporary capitalism: wealth is no longer just about accumulation—it is now a tool for financing reactionary political movements that oppose environmental regulations, social rights, and inclusive policies.

This trend reflects a broader phenomenon in which certain billionaires, rather than remaining neutral market players, become direct political actors. Their strategy aligns with an old fantasy of elite secession: controlling a captive market, securing an electorate aligned with their vision, and developing technologies that ensure their total autonomy from the rest of society.

The Market as a Battleground

But this project faces a fundamental paradox: if billionaires attempt to shape politics, consumers, in turn, can politicize their consumption. The European boycott of Tesla illustrates how the market itself can become an ideological battlefield. Consumers, far from being passive economic participants, are expressing a rejection of a corporate model where ideology takes precedence over innovation.

The philosopher Karl Polanyi identified this tension in the 20th century: the free market only functions as long as society accepts it. When a company oversteps its role and becomes a tool of ideological domination, it risks being rejected by society. The market, far from being an autonomous entity, is always embedded within a moral and political framework.

A New Form of Resistance?

The Tesla case reminds us that in a world where billionaires seek to shape public policy while bypassing democratic processes, citizens can respond economically. When voting appears ineffective against the influence of wealth in politics, boycotting becomes a powerful tool of resistance.

We may be witnessing the emergence of an inverted ethical capitalism: one not dictated by corporate promises of sustainability, but by consumers sanctioning ideological deviations among the ultra-wealthy. If this trend continues, it could redefine the relationship between capitalism and democracy—reminding us that economics cannot be detached from the values it claims to serve.

Also worth reading: Check out my series "Democracy VS Capitalism" on Medium, where I explore the tensions between economic power and democratic institutions:

Coming in mid-February: A three-part series on climate denial fake news, scientific manipulation, collective paralysis, and the secession of the wealthy. Why are some billionaires sabotaging climate action while preparing their escape? Stay tuned.

P'tit Tôlier

Essayist & Popularizer. I analyze the world through accessible philosophical essays. Complex ideas, explained simply—to help us think about our times.

[india-company-registration]

🌍🛍️ Your Rights, Your Power! 🛍️🌍

This World Consumer Rights Day, let’s stand for fair prices, transparency, and ethical business practices. ✅💡 Every consumer deserves safety, quality, and honesty!

Know your rights, make informed choices & empower yourself! 💪⚖️ Your voice matters!

[galaxynebulavoid]

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Don’t Buy American

Send a message and don’t buy American. If you want to do something about the crooked and corrupt regime taking hold of the United States via Trump 2.0 use your consumer power. The Canadians are doing it. And I am sure the European Union will follow suit in the very near future, as they come under fire from the Trump tariffs. Stop feeding the beast and cut off your monetary supply to US companies. Do something about what is happening over there rather than just gnashing your teeth. Burst the bubble of the blowhard dictator by the economic means available to you. Sanction the US economically for crimes against decency, morality, and democracy. “After announcing and then delaying tariffs on Canada and Mexico, hitting Chinese goods with an additional 10% tariff and also threatening the European Union, countries and markets are concerned about where the US president will go next.” - (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/11/why-is-trump-imposing-tariffs-and-which-countries-will-be-hit-hardest-in-charts)

Stop Sending Your Money To The USA

Don’t buy American products or services. It will be an eye opening process to see just how much they control the business of modern life. It is time to reappraise just who are the bad guys in the world we live in today. Trump and the Republicans have ditched the rule of law  in their country. Freed convicted thugs and violent criminals for political purposes. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is an unelected dude going around running the place. The world’s richest man is slashing aid to the poorest people on the planet for ideological reasons. Do you really want to be associated with what America is fast becoming? “Canada is the top exporter of both metals to the US, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the new taxes as "unjustified" and warned his country would retaliate. According to figures from the US Department of Commerce, Australia ranked 17th for exports of steel and eighth in exports of aluminium to the country over the past 10 years.” - (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-12/trump-aide-says-australia-killing-aluminium-market/104925742) President Trump Calls Astronauts During First All-Woman Spacewalk (NHQ201910180019) by NASA HQ PHOTO is licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 Refuse To Purchase American Stuff Many of these American multinational corporations don’t pay their fair share of taxes anywhere they operate. Apple, Google Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and the rest of them. Big tech is run by unscrupulous billionaires who don’t give a f^^^ about you or me. Jeff Bezos at Amazon exploiting low paid workers. Mark Zuckerberg at Meta with Facebook and Instagram. Peter Thiele and Elon Musk sons of apartheid South Africa steeped in fascist early conditioning. Big tech is pro Trump and against regulation for the toxic social media platforms screwing up our kids and the world more generally. The increased hatred and divisiveness in the world correlates directly with the advent of social media. American Social Media Social media is an American invention. It is a stupid and childish thing used by bullies, paedophiles, extremists and trolls. Social media is not some brilliant innovation it is tawdry entertainment to stop dumb people from being bored. The fact that it is largely unregulated sees the worst of us making waves on these platforms. Newspapers are regulated and they have gone the way of the Dodo. Advertising revenue on these platforms have made the Zuckerberg’s super rich at the expense of the publishers of yesterday. The Chinese get in on the act via Tik Tok and suddenly national security is a kill switch move by the Americans. Big tech becomes an American only zone via the convenient issue of national security. jsc2020e031677 by NASAKennedy is licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0 Sanction The US Don’t buy American and send a message to the US. If you don’t support what is happening over there and the economically bullying behaviour of Trump – stop the flow of your money to the USA. Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of America Matters: Pre-apocalyptic Posts & Essays in the Shadow of Trump. ©MidasWord Read the full article

[dyggtheway]

Fashion Forward: A Global Call for Ethical Accountability🌏♻️

In a world where fashion often comes at a hidden cost, recent developments in the European Union and the United States are paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future in the apparel industry.

The EU's bold new regulations crack down on greenwashing, garment destruction, fur farming, and deforestation, signaling a shift towards transparency and ethical practices in fashion. On the other side of the Atlantic, the proposed FABRIC Act aims to empower domestic apparel manufacturing and combat exploitation in the global supply chains through stringent workplace protections and incentives.

From forced labor to wage theft, the fashion industry has long grappled with systemic issues that call for urgent action. The EU and US initiatives address these pressing concerns head-on, emphasizing accountability, worker well-being, and environmental impact. As consumers, we hold the power to drive change by supporting brands that prioritize ethics and sustainability.

As we navigate a world where our fashion choices shape not only our personal style but also the lives of countless workers and the health of our planet, let's challenge ourselves to be mindful consumers. Let's ask the tough questions, demand transparency, and choose clothing that aligns with our values. Together, we can shape a fashion industry that not only looks good but does good too.

Let's embrace a future where fashion is not just about what we wear, but about how it's made and the impact it has on the world. Fashion forward, indeed. Sign up for our Newsletter.

[whiteapple301]

On the occasion of 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, White Apple Jeans reminds us of the importance of consumers for the success of a business. Warm greetings to all on this special day.

[rubel1234]

Consumer Power

Discover the world of vacuums, wrenches, range hoods, tennis, dishwashers, and dogs at Consume Pedia. Our extensive collection and informative content make it easy to make informed decisions. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a pet lover, we have everything you need to enhance your home and lifestyle. Start exploring now!

[rkolunen]

i’ve been trying to order a vegan christmas cake online now for a while - why is it sooooo hard to put the ingredients in there to watch?! (the normal cake has them - but the vegan one doesn’t)

i did send e-mail asking about it - response the next day to take it further and let me know what i asked for. now its been a week - and nothing.

i did send a Facebook message for the cake maker now 3 days ago - no response.

bad service = no cake for me. Bummer!

[gardencaptures-blog]

Ugly produce is beautiful! This week I've come across many stories about farmers' produce not being accepted by the biggest supermarkets in the Netherlands, because they are not 'perfect'. Because of the extreme weather conditions, some produce in my garden and many other vegetable gardens or farms are either smaller or not properly developed, just like this corn. It's quite sad to see 'looks' are regarded higher than taste even in Netherlands, which is the agriculture center of the world despite the giant waste problem we have in the world. Hope we can change this mentality soon, and in the meantime, let's not forget our power as a consumer 🌿 ******************************************* #uglyisbeautiful #foodwaste #netherlands #lokaalproduct #lokaalmaal #organicfood #organicgardening #urbanfarm #agriculture #summer #netherlands #farmersmarket #farmersproduce #stopfoodwaste #zerowaste #zerowasteliving #consumerpower #food #foodpics #growfood #growyourown #healt#eatclean #nutrition @krommunity @uglyfoodrescuersclub @uglyproduceisbeautiful @rechtstreex (at Krimpen aan den IJssel)

[thecommittedcoach]

And this is the equivalent of winning an Oscar. Papaya is life. According to the last resports, it is not longer.included in the dirty dozen list. Therefore I can buy it conventional.oh well, I never found the organic version. Did you? I am eating 1 to 2 papayas a week. Papayas are commonly consumed for proper digestion. The presence of papain, a digestive super enzyme, improves digestion by breaking down proteins and also cleanses the digestive tract. This ensures a reduced conversion of protein into body fat. If the protein in our diet is not digested properly, it may cause arthritis, constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related health conditions #vegan #veganfood #veganlifestyle #bethechange #consumerpower #savetheworld #sustainable #ethical #eco #cowspiracy #whatveganseat #foodporn #veganfoodshare #noanimalharmed #food #healthy #fitness #plantbased #crueltyfree #quotes #healthyeating #cleaneating #itisthefood #thecommittedcoach #healthcoach

[thecompassionatevegan]

Reposted from @theguthealthmd Who’s with me?!?🤷🏻‍♂️ . Here’s the thing… . You can wait for these businesses to change because it’s the right thing to do. 👉🏻THEY WON’T. They’re making money 💰 right now. Why change? . You can wait for your government 🏛 to create a policy. 👉🏻THEY WON’T. The lobbyists have more influence than the voters do. For example, 73% of voters support stricter gun laws. In fact, 91% of dems, 70% of independents, and 54% of reps want stricter gun laws. So if a majority - regardless of political affiliation - favor stricter gun laws, why do we not have stricter gun laws?🤔 . You can wait for someone else to do it for you. 👉🏻THEY PROBABLY WON’T. They may not share your motivations, or may have ulterior motives. For example, there was widespread uproar over the Brazilian Amazon fires🔥🌴🔥🌳, which were set by humans to clear land for animal 🐄 agriculture. Brazil is the top exporter of beef on the planet. . 🍔 lover: “How is that legal? They’re destroying the planet!”
Dr. B: “They’re doing it because they make a lot of money doing it. They’re growing their economy. People are buying the beef.” 🍔 lover: “Someone needs to stop them! It’s not right.” . Folks, this is where YOU come in. You absolutely can stop them. . YOU, yes, little ole YOU has the ability to make businesses bend the knee, bypass the lobbyists, override government policy, and alter global economics to enact reform and have the world that we WANT to live in. . HOW? . By flexing the muscle 💪🏻 in your wallet. Every time you spend money💸, you are by default casting a vote. You’re empowering one industry, and simultaneously disempowering its competitor. . Let’s stop waiting for someone else to fix our problems. . Lead by example, vote with your wallet, and let’s use our collective power to get the planet 🌎 that we WANT and NEED right now. . Do you agree?🤔🤔 . . . . . #consumerpower #votewithyourwallet #health #healthyliving #healthyfood #planetaryhealth #globalwarming #togetherwearestronger #inittogether #teamwork - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLOW2XJNWY/?igshid=9abras9c2t8h

[wildlifevoiceinc]

Repost from our great friends at @arminvestigations // "Dairy sales are declining. As consumers become aware of the health risks and opt for more vegan options, experts say this could be the end of milk." 💙🐮🙌 . VIA @livekindly ARTICLE LINK IN BIO 👆 . #consumerpower #beapartofthechange #ditchdairy #plantbased #foryourhealth #fortheplanet #fortheanimals #animalrecoverymission #livekindly https://www.instagram.com/p/B7YHThlBTi9/?igshid=2c25y0o29vm

[pittylover728]

Posted @withrepost • @arminvestigations @fairlife has announced that it is back from taking a break from social media following ARM’s animal cruelty investigations in 2019. Go to their page and comment on their record of systematic abuse and cruelty associated with the dairy industry and their brand. This is not the end of the abuse and suffering of dairy cows. They just want to make consumers believe it is over. YOU can create this change! #ditchdairy #createchange #notfairlife #consumerpower #animalwelfare #animalprotection https://www.instagram.com/p/B64DOu5gesQ/?igshid=53ca5ev0cmvg

[everydaydeeds]

Day 1382 - Whenever presented with an option like this I take it. At the very least I'm hoping it sends a signal to companies that people care about more sustainable options.

[melanimiguel-blog]

There certainly is something interesting happening here.... it's called #ConsumerPower! #AliBaba #AirBnB #Facebook #Uber #OnlyPayForWhatYouBuy #NoMiddleMan #NoFrillsService https://www.instagram.com/p/B3LCcNcBOeZ/?igshid=1qc9zf3ubqxi9

[mrjsun-blog]

🍌 The $Hit is #BANANAS !!! I am sooooooooooo excited about what we are doing! #UnitedWeSpend 💰 #ConsumerPower 💃🏻 #ConvertSpendingIntoEarning @shoppingannuity and @marketamerica WE HAVE EVERYTHING at our fingertips. #PaidToDoLife 🌎 #LoveWhatWeDo #DoWhatWeLove #ShoppingAnnuity 📧 411MrJsun@gmail.com 💡 you'll be glad you did!!! 💰💳 #ChangingTheWorld and improving lives is our #Business and we have an #Opportunity like none other. Want to know more? Email me! Don't believe me? Come to #Miami in Feb 1-3 #2018 ! I guarantee it will change your life for the better! ⏳ Its never too late to change, but its later than you think! "I'm happier today than I was yesterday... I hope I can do the same for your tomorrows." #MrJ☀️ #Blessed #Impressed #BestOfTheBest #Entrepreneur #FREEDOM (at New Hampshire)