B2 – Upper Intermediate
The ongoing Gaza conflict has prompted a wave of consumer activism, with many choosing to boycott US brands as well as brands that support Israel as a sign of protest.
This phenomenon reflects growing concerns and solidarity with the situation. However, it also raises questions regarding its effectiveness. Some individuals are skeptical whether this action hurts the boycotted brands.
Read this article to learn about the effects of consumers’ boycotts on brands who are perceived to support Israel’s war on Gaza.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/6/israels-war-on-gaza-are-boycotts-hurting-us-brands
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “to draw the ire” mean? “Fast food giant McDonald’s drew the ire of Israel’s critics, especially in the Middle East, when its Israel branch gave thousands of free meals to Israeli troops in October, the month the country launched its bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza, which have now killed more than 27,000 people.” Give a similar expression and make a sentence with “to draw the ire”.
- What does “fraught negotiation” mean? “Both sides are engaged in ongoing, fraught negotiations on labour issues with the union demanding better pay and more consistent scheduling for workers.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of “to be caught in the crossfire“? “The fizzy drinks manufacturer has long been caught in the crossfire of conflict in the Middle East.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on individuals boycotting brands that support Israel?
- How might the effectiveness of the boycott be measured, and what challenges might arise in assessing it?
- Are there alternative methods of protest or activism that individuals could pursue instead of boycotting brands?
- Have you personally considered participating in the boycott of US brands or brands supporting Israel in response to the Gaza conflict?
- How can individuals best support humanitarian causes like those affected by the Gaza conflict, beyond consumer activism?
2 replies on “Boycotts Amidst Israel’s War on Gaza Are Hurting Brands”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. Perform an action that bothers a lot of people. To attract the anger. He was not the only player to draw the ire of the home crowd.
2. A difficult discussion. Finally, after two more days of fraught negotiation, a consensus emerged.
3. Be in the middle of. I have been caught in the crossfire of these delicate issues.
Discussion Questions:
1. I don’t know very well the fundamentals of the conflict, so I don’t think I have a very well formed opinion, what I do think is good is that people take action against what they believe is not correct.
2. It is difficult, since companies usually make up the losses and never give to understand that these are due to a particular action, but it is easy to see if most people in social networks or in an environment follow it.
3. In my opinion, in this case, any action will not have the repercussion that is sought, since this conflict is very large and the companies affected are very large, so for them to be affected it would have to be a global boycott.
4. No, because I do not know the conflict well and do not want to take a position.
5. Send money to NGOs or collect food and basic necessities.
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