For a while I have observed individuals all around me still consuming products from Israeli or pro-Zionist organisations despite the constant buzz about boycott. What stroked me is not only the disagreement, but the indifference with which the issue was being treated.
Boycotts are rarely about instant results, they are about collective moral positioning. When people dismiss them as ineffective, they overlook the purpose they serve. A boycott is a way for ordinary individuals, who may otherwise feel powerless, to express dissent through everyday choices. It is not about perfection, but about intention. Many of these individuals argue that such small scale efforts do not matter, yet history shows us that public pressure, however small it was at first, has influenced global and political conversations.
There is also a worrisome dichotomy between online and offline discourse regarding this matter. Despite the constant coverage on social media, the principles are rarely reflected in our daily lives. Individuals sympathised with the victims, yet refused to do even minor efforts in their consideration.
Boycotts are not meant to bring dramatic results, they are efforts you do to send a message to perpetrators. Choosing indifference and neutrality only makes them think that they can get away with everything they do without consequence.
Maryam Rehan
Karach
