SCOM Week 1

For my first blog I would like to talk about C.A.S.P.I.A.N. (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) and their recent boycott of Gillette products. Through my explanation of the boycott, I will identify four main questions that should be identified in a social movement according to Della Porta and Diani.
C.A.S.P.I.A.N. is currently boycotting all Gillette products, including: shaving items, Duracell batteries, Braun appliances and Oral B products. Their reason for the boycott is because of their understanding that Gillette uses Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) hidden in the packaging. This allows Gillette to use the "spy chips" to track Gillette customers through the stores and to take a photo of the shopper and compare it with the check out line to prevent potential shoplifters.

1. This movement wants consumers to stop supporting the Gillette products that violate
consumers privacy by working in cohorts with the supermarkets, like Walmart and Target.
2. The face of the Gillette boycott is C.A.S.P.I.A.N. with their red, white and blue colors and
American flag cart--representing their anti-supermarket view along with anyone else who is
assisting them (i.e. Gillette). Although, there is no direct insignia that identifies directly
with only boycotting Gillette products.
3. This movement motivates individuals by playing into peoples fear of being spied on and
their privacy being invaded.
4. With the seemingly lack of privacy that we seem to loose each year do to the government,
this boycott goes with the idea of preserving as much privacy as you possibly can.