Can you handle the bitter truth???

Being the person that I am, introspective in nature, I tend to see the world as to how it affects me now, how it did in the past, and how it will in future. Through the years, I have gone through many phases, which have changed my perception and outlook on life, and everything that revolves around it.

Being a realist is like a living with a curse. A curse, in the sense that, you know the affairs being witnessed today are far from a solution- even by a long shot. Reality courses through my system and impacts my actions, judgement at all times. Only in my thoughts do I drift away to hypothetical scenarios, the usual ‘what if’ moments; only to be reined in to the present. I was never like this before, but certain developments spurred this change by the age of 17. Once you smell the stench of how rotten the world can at times be, its sights become an eyesore, words can stir sentiments; how would you react? Do you turn the other cheek or strive to make a difference?

Currently, the word is tuned into a single issue- Gaza. For 21 days the Israeli’s have been bombarding this settlement doing what they do best- killing the innocent and the weak. The death toll now rests at 1134 as of 4pm (Malaysian time). Muslims protest in many cities, chant slogans, hold placards of solidarity, burn effigies etc. But you very well know this has or will not change a pinch of Israel’s policy towards Palestine. They don’t give a damn as to what the international opinion is, as long as US backs them. Israel employs major PR company’s in US to handle its image consultancy. Israel funnels billions of dollars to these agencies in order to broadcast biased information to the US, Europe and everywhere else.

It’s hard to wrap your head around it, but as I found out long ago- DEAL WITH IT!!! I’m not saying for us to be complacent and feel downright miserable of ourselves- NO, NEVER!!

So, we come to the question, what can we do??

When your enemy cannot be defeated with military might, and is backed by powerful allies, a change in strategy is crucial. Adopting an alternative strategy needs to be communicated to the masses. I’m sure all of you reading this would have heard of boycotting products that are in support of Israel, including the idea of divesting. If you have been observant the notion of ‘boycotting’ is easier said than done. Malaysia is a mixed economy, quite robust, and full of potential, not to mention an attractive destination for multinational companies. Within this framework, one has to identify who are Israel’s donors. Refraining from purchasing products is an act most of us are capable of doing. But lets be realistic in our approach; how far would go in not purchasing some products?? It is a dilemma, and let us not deny it. We all face the same odds. This, my dear friends is an opportune moment for what is termed as guerrilla warfare.

Thus, I did some browsing and came across a few articles that highlighted donors of Israel. I take it as my duty to mention these companies along with their affiliated companies as well.

General Electric

CATerpillar - Dolcis, Barratts, River Island, John Lewis, Schuh labels

The Home Depot- Home Depot retail stores, EXPO Design Centers, Villager’s Hardware stores

Apex Supply Company, Georgia Lighting, Maintenance Warehouse, National Blinds & Wallpaper

The Limited- Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Company, Victoria’s Secret

Starbucks- Hyatt Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Starwood Hotels (Sheraton), Canadian bookstore Chapters Inc, Barnes & Noble, Inc bookstores

McDonald’s

Estée Lauder- Aramis, Clinique, DKNY, Prescriptives, Origins Natural Resources, MAC Cosmetics, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Essentials, Tommy Hilfiger Toiletries, Jane, Donna Karan Cosmetics, Aveda, Stila Cosmetics, Jo Malone, Bumble & Bumble, Kate Spade.

L’Oréal- LaRoche, Maybelline, Ralph Lauren, Helena Rubinstein, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Giorgio Armani Perfumes, Lancome Paris

Delta Galil- GAP, J. C. Penny, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic, Structure, J-Crew, Pryca.

Marks & Spencer

Sara Lee- Sara Lee Bakery, Superior Coffee, Douwe Egberts, Maison Café, Pilao, Pickwick, Sanex, Body Mist, Brylcreem, Aqua Velva, Radox, Kiwi, Ambi Pur, Hanes, Playtex, Champion, L’eggs, Dim, Bali, Just My Size, Lovable, Outer Banks, Wonder bra, Gossard.

Coca-Cola- Fanta, Fresca, Frescolita, Sprite, Tab, Bacardi Mixers, Hi-C, Fruitopia, Dr. Pepper and other Schweppes brands, Dasani Water, Minute Maid, Five Alive, Sun Valley, Tasters Choice

Intel

Danone (yogurt, HP, Lea & Perrins, Evian water, Jacob biscuits)

Kimberly-Clark (Kleenex, Kotex, Huggies)

Johnson & Johnson

Nokia

Nestlé- Maggie, Milo, Nescafe and much more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarel.

Timberland

This is only tip of the iceberg, and I hope you can imagine the odds. Do pass this list to people you know because many are blissfully in a world of ignorance. If you can’t, then God save you. I’m sure there a lot of brands that I have not mentioned, those that operate under the radar. But let’s start somewhere, because as the saying goes….."The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

Now, the question is quite simple. Are you ready to take that step??