Why Respect and Values Matter When You’re Trying to Change the World
Yesterday was a difficult day for us as we came under fire for supporting Nestle. We were given a box of chocolates for free from their new Quality Street ‘pick your own’ stand in Cardiff, and we were excited to feature a product perfect for the run up to Christmas…
Not many people will be aware, but this was Zoey’s first collaboration (we usually do things together and since this product isn’t vegan it wasn’t suitable for me). I was so excited for her, it was a much needed confidence boost during a time of discovery, judgement and transition.
We uploaded the content with excitement, but within a day we received a couple of comments that made us feel quite stressed and kinda attacked. I didn’t want to just leave this conversation and hope that the whole thing would disappear, I’m not really like that. I want to address a few things from our point of view and hopefully come to a peaceful and open-minded conclusion…
The Approach
Firstly, we were taken about by some comments, mostly because they felt passive aggressive and also quite blunt. We weren’t expecting a backlash over a tin of chocolates, and we were pretty shocked when it happened. I think a kinder and more helpful approach would have either been via private message or just a different use of language/approach. Making assumptions about us and poking us for answers feels somewhat unfair, when we’re coming from a fairly uneducated view re: Nestle.
I also think writing ‘boycott Nestle’ is pretty unhelpful. There are ways to approach these things, and the (very) few negative comments could have been handled sooooo much better in my opinion.
Knowledge
When the comments occurred, I hadn’t really noticed that the product was from Nestle. I spoke to a few other people who didn’t realise either, so yes, we were taken aback with the realisation and the comments.
I had knowledge of the company ten or so years ago, but our focus these days are on other issues (such as transgender rights, home education and doing our bit for the environment). We didn’t know much and we’re still trying to catch up on the outrage.
It’s a shame people jump to conclusions, it’s a shame people can’t see the good we do in the world and praise that. I noticed that the people getting involved yesterday rarely comment on other posts, which I find quite interesting…
Other People
A big thing to think about when slating a company, is all the people that have no choice but to work for them. Yes, we received a box of chocolates, but another blogger may get paid to work with a company and that pays for the food on the table or their kids clothes. There are people working in shops and factories that need these jobs to keep a roof over their heads or to pay medical bills or university fees. I agree, it’s important to be aware of brands (I can’t keep up with the corrupt these days) but it’s also important to think of those that have no choice but to work for them. They can’t just quit their day jobs because of this, and I know that might outrage some of you, but maybe you’re just a little more privileged than them?
Education
When it comes down to it, a large reason we were shocked by the response was due to the fact that we didn’t know much about it. I knew Nestle ten years ago was pretty bad, but I didn’t know any facts. I still don’t, but a quick ‘google’ of companies across the world and it comes to light that there are waaay too many companies accused of waaaay too many bad things for me to count on one hand. There’s a list that includes Wal-Mart (who own Asda), there’s Apple, Google, Facebook, Nestle, Tesco, Amazon… the list goes on when you go looking for it.
I don’t know if we’d ever eat/feed ourselves/live if we researched everything, let alone get anything done! And I also believe the issues with these companies can be challenged if you start at the top, because harassing a little account like ours probably won’t change things, but maybe I’m wrong…
Our part
However, we are grateful it’s been brought to our attention, even if it wasn’t done in a way we would have liked (or handled it ourselves if it was us trying to educate someone). We are open to people’s thoughts and ideas, freedom of speech and all that, but blunt comments or passive aggressiveness isn’t our bag. It won’t have the result you want, a bit like angry vegans who never get heard.
So, yes, we will do our research from now on, but we also need to pay our bills, we need to feed our kids, and we need to demand respect (both ways). So if we do work with a company you deem unethical, please approach us. Please message us or open up a calm debate. We’re open to it, in the right way.
My biggest saying when it comes to how we treat people is, ‘Treat people how you’d want to be treated’.
Maybe this attitude would do more to change the world, eh?
