Thank you OP for tagging me.
Again, just my opinion, but shouldn't the focus should be on:
1. Keeping is positive. I think first and foremost, re-routing our dollars to feed into our communities and to support positive, effective AA business and products should be the priority. Where and how we spend our money is OUR issue, not asian BSSs. There is ALWAYS another option--are we willing to accept or create those options?
2. supporting AA hair businesses and products, and those entities that positively support the distribution of the products. How do WE, provide a collective resource for anyone interested in supporting AA hair businesses and products, be it a BSS, part of a major chain, or online. Again, collect the resources, consolidate it in one place for consumers to make an informed decision as to how they wish to spend their dollars.
3. I'm not quite comfortable with the boycott aspect of the movement as its presented here. It could just be internet syndrome--how reading things don't always translate when hearing them--but I feel many of the comments come off no better than the very actions we would like to see change. If the behavior of Asian businesses is the problem, then don't do as they do--do better. Be above the negative practices. Understand them and educate them. If we are above that behavior, then bring the up to our level.
In the article that fueled this movement, the interviewee mentioned that there are suppliers who go against the status quo--even with the risk of being banned themselves. Are we seeking retribution or focusing on what WE need to do to support our businesses and communities? If the cycle of negativity continues, then what avenue will AA businesses have to...
3. Develop positive relationships with Asian suppliers and distributors? The asian businesses have developed relationships with one another--Koreans getting materials from India and China (yes, Indians are asian). Why is it that AA businesses have not established the same relationships? It can't all be attributed to racism. There are many businesses that have, thru diligence and understanding that have developed very strong ties throughout Asia. Why haven't AA bss businesses able to work directly with Indian and Chinese suppliers to establish relationships for their supply/distributor needs? (see #4) And if the Koreans are the only resource currently available for their supplies, outside of percieved and non-perceived issues of racism, why can't they establish workable relationships? Many of the comments that i've read from this thread and the original, point out things that are actually misunderstanding about cultural practices. For example, someone mentioned in the previous thread about no returns. In Asia, most shopping and business is done thru the negotiation/haggle process. It is the consumer's responsibility to inspect the goods carefully. Once sold, that's it. Its not a shady practice--its they way that they've been practicing for years. Many of the issues are more about East vs West than black vs asian. There needs to be some sort of forum where the two major associations are sitting down at the table and creating open dialogue. This disparity between the two cultures has been going on for a long time (outside of BSS) and with the global tide changing, it really needs to be addressed.
4. Establishing/building a relationship with an Asian supplier may require visits to that country. In the trade sector, there are resources (congressional, gov agency) to help bring trades together. I will see what I can find out...i'm familiar with this in regards to agricultural commodities, but am not sure how it works for other goods. I think, more than shutting them out, making sure every possible avenue to building a positive relationship has been done. then, if nothing works, so be it.
i believe the choices we make as consumers can have nothing but a positive impact on both supporting AA businesses and communities and fostering good global relations. In my mind's grand scheme of things, this is vital as a person of color. Some of the business difficulties we have with other cultures, is often due to ignorance. We are not present on the global community they way we should be. Only the stereotypes of who/what we are prevail.
Sorry for rambling. That said, I will try to come up with the parameters for a personal 'buy black' challenge, including a log sheet to track expenses. I think, starting with LHCF members as a forum challenge might be a good start--to see how it would pan out on a large scale. I'll also check on some trade resources that the business organization contact person could share. I figure, if Napa Valley producers can visit buyers in China to get their product in, why can't AA BSSs looking for suppliers/distributers come to China and do likewise. Keep in mind, at that level, there are other factors involved that are way above all of us. Our power is in who we choose to give our money to (or not give).
I'll be waiting for the pm, this is so exciting.
I wanted to add to the list
)...drama? I would hate for ppl to run the risk of being scammed online...by our own...like we've seen one too many times here.
