Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- load / loʊd / (v.) – to fill something with a large amount of items
Example:She loaded her cart with eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables at the market.
- intimidate / ɪnˈtɪm ɪˌdeɪt / (v.) – to make someone feel afraid, often to make them do something they don't want to
Example:The manager should not intimidate workers by making them believe they will lose their jobs if they don’t work extra hours.
- boycott / ˈbɔɪ kɒt / (v.) – to express disagreement with something by refusing to buy, use, or participate in it
Example:Many people decided to boycott the fast-food restaurant after reports of unfair work policies.
- spike / spaɪk / (n.) – a sudden and large increase in something, such as prices or numbers
Example:There is a spike in flu cases during the winter season.
- backlash / ˈbækˌlæʃ / (n.) – a strong negative reaction by the people against something or a situation that has happened
Example:Many companies faced backlash from their employees after requiring them to return to the office following the pandemic.
Article
Read the text below.
Hansen, a retired Danish police officer, loaded up his basket at the supermarket, carefully checking each product to avoid buying anything made in the United States. No more Coca-Cola, no more California Zinfandel wine or almonds.
On his recent shopping trip, Hansen returned home with dates from Iran. It shocked him to realize that he now perceives the United States as a greater threat than Iran.
“Trump really looks like a bully who tries in every way to intimidate, threaten others to get his way,” he told The Associated Press. “I will fight against that kind of thing.”
Hansen is just one supporter of a growing movement across Europe and Canada to boycott U.S. products. People are joining Facebook groups where they exchange ideas about how to avoid U.S. products and find alternatives. Feelings are especially strong across the Nordic region—and possibly strongest in Denmark, given Trump’s threats to seize Greenland.
Google Trends showed a spike in searches for the terms “Boycott USA” and “Boycott America” as Trump announced new tariffs, with the top regions including Denmark, Canada and France. At the same time, a global backlash is also building against Tesla as the brand becomes tied to Trump, with plunging sales in Europe and Canada. In Germany, police were investigating after four Teslas were set on fire.
Responding to consumer demand, Denmark’s largest supermarket chain, the Salling Group, created a star-shaped label this March to mark European-made goods sold in its stores. CEO Anders Hagh said it’s not a boycott, but a response to consumers demanding a way to easily avoid American products.
“Our stores will continue to have brands on the shelves from all over the world, and it will always be up to customers to choose. The new label is only an additional service for customers who want to buy goods with European labels,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Some consumers in Europe and Canada choose to stop buying U.S. products because of Trump’s policies that they disagree with. Do you believe that choosing not to buy products from a specific country is an effective way to show disagreement with its government’s policies? Why or why not? What might be some advantages and disadvantages of participating in such a boycott? Discuss.
- In your opinion, who is hurt the most when people boycott products—governments, business owners, or ordinary workers? Why? What do you think the U.S. government could do to help those affected by the boycott? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Many people are using Facebook groups to share tips on avoiding U.S. products and finding alternatives. How do you think social media affects people’s shopping choices? Do you think online calls to stop buying certain products really work? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Should companies pay attention to trends and boycotts on social media, or is it better for them to focus on their own business plans? Why? If you were a business owner affected by online calls for a boycott, what would you do? Discuss.
