i posted yesterday's entry a little late in the day so if you have been trying to keep up with the theme of the week, you should start
there first
SPOILERS! (Click to view)
and now we arrive at day four which is the principle ujamaa (ohh-jah-maah) or cooperative economics. the initial spirit of this principle is one that black people should patronize black businesses. in a larger sense it represents american people patronizing american businesses. however, technology and e-commerce continue to blur geographic boundaries and sometimes, the neighborhood/domestic establishment isnt exactly located in the neighborhood.
i try to practice ujamaa with a more socially concious theme. i've never been a big fan of the starbucks and mcdonald's of the world. when possible, i look to put my money in places where i know it will go to the people who actually do the work. i do what research i can on various companies and strive to stay away from those that have poor employment or environmental practices. i'm not an uber tree hugger so i know there are things i have done (and will do) that arent always consistent with this aim. but the desire is there and im working to act in greater and more consistent ways.
dont get me wrong, i am all for supporting black business, minority business and american business. however, i feel my first and foremost responsibility is to the greater human struggle. so in the coming year, im going to work harder to support those entities that are trying to do something above and beyond increasing profits. because ultimately, THOSE are people in my neighborhood.
