In a powerful response to the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, well-known personalities have aligned themselves with survivors in a campaign against FedEx. The students, mourning the loss of 17 lives in Florida, have been actively advocating for sensible gun control reforms across the nation. They are not fighting this battle alone.
This past weekend, a number of actors, musicians, and filmmakers took to social media platforms to express their solidarity with the survivors, urging a boycott of FedEx until the company discontinues its partnership with the National Rifle Association (NRA). FedEx currently provides discounts of up to 26% for NRA members through the NRA Business Alliance, a point highlighted by recent reports.
The Parkland survivors have been vocal in their demands for FedEx to cut its ties with the NRA. Despite the growing pressure, the shipping giant has refrained from addressing the boycott publicly and has even withdrawn from Twitter amid the escalating conversation. It raises questions about why FedEx’s leadership struggles to sever connections with an organization that represents only about 5 million members, a minuscule fraction of the 323.1 million people in the U.S. as recorded in 2016 census data.
In the wake of the horrific incident in Florida, several other corporations have opted to end similar discount arrangements with the NRA. Airlines such as Delta and United have taken action, alongside car rental services like Enterprise, Alamo, National, and Hertz. Major hotel chains, including Best Western and Wyndham, have also ceased extending member discounts to NRA affiliates. Notably, MetLife and Chubb insurance companies have terminated their special policies for the gun organization.
While change may not occur overnight, the FedEx boycott represents a crucial step toward progress. As society strives to shield children from the devastation of gun violence in schools, it is essential to challenge the corporations, organizations, and political figures that maintain support for the NRA. For more insights on related topics, check out this other blog post on home insemination.
In summary, the alliance of celebrities with shooting survivors in boycotting FedEx highlights a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about gun control and corporate responsibility. The collective actions taken by these influential figures and the Parkland students serve as a reminder of the necessity for organizations to align with public sentiment and advocate for meaningful reforms.