A friend of mine, Amy, and I were discussing whether to boycott Goya foods. Goya is a Hispanic-owned business by third-generation Spanish American CEO billionaire Robert Unanue. He was invited to join Donald Trump in the Rose Garden last Thursday to celebrate Trump’s executive order that promises greater access to Latinxs’ educational and economic opportunities. We thought that sounded like a significant improvement on Trump’s usual attitude about basically anyone of color.
The Goya Controversy about Supporting Trump Despite
Racist and Defamatory Attitudes about Latinx People
Amy summarized what Unanue had said at the Rose Garden Press Conference, so I looked it up:
“We’re all truly blessed at this time to have a leader like President Trump who is a builder, and that’s what my grandfather did. . . He came to this country to build, and we pray for our leadership, our president, and we pray for our country that we will continue to prosper and grow,” as reported by the Washington Post.
Blessed? Builder?
That went viral and caused a fire-storm in progressive circles given that a Latino billionaire had just praised Donald Trump, whose unending insults about Latinxs stretch across his entire 3-year presidency. It almost seemed like Unanue had no clue about what has been said about his heritage. Outraged, Latinxs and allies have called for nationwide boycotts of Goya products, including hashtags #BoycottGoya and #Goyaway.
The CEO’s Defense—You say “yes” to your president
Unanue has defended himself by pointing to patriotism. In other words, when the president of the US comes calling, you don’t say no. He has also been recognized by President Obama during his presidency for being an industry leader. So, I guess in Unanue’s mind, politics get put aside when your president calls upon you. Maybe he was just being polite and offering some supportive words, even if they are untrue.
Unanue was pandering–saying indulgent comments–in other words, what he knew Trump wanted to hear. This whole scenario becomes even more suspicious given Trump’s record with Latinx citizens, residents, and refugees. This executive order also smacks of pandering just months prior to an election that will, I diligently pray, put an end to Trump’s disastrous already-impeached, racist presidency.
Amy: “Do you support Unanue’s remarks and his defense for what he said?”
Amy has always asked tough questions. It’s part of our thing—to have these debates. I said, “Yes. I support Unanue’s right to speak his mind even though I disagree with what he said. That is part of living in and supporting democracy. We are supposed to enjoy a free exchange of ideas. He can say what he wants, and so can I, so can you, and so can every person in the USA.”
As to Unanue’s defense, I’m suspicious of his motives because Trump’s “big” supporters are often billionaires or people with great wealth. I think his defense is somewhat naïve at best and sinister at worst. Unanue is a billionaire, according to Forbes. Billionaires like Trump because his tax policies slant heavily in their favor.
Why Associate with such a Proven Liar even if he is the President?
I am not sure what appalls me more about all of this. That a Latino could stand in the Rose Garden with this clownish despot of a president and say we are blessed to have him as president. Or, to say that Trump is a “builder.” The only thing I can credit Donald Trump as a builder is that he is a builder of hatred. In truth, Trump is a master-builder of hate and discord instead of being the leader we need.
Trump is also a master manipulator and liar par extraordinaire. The Washington Post reports that during Trump’s presidential term, he has made 20,000 false or misleading statements. Make no mistake about it, the Trump Administration is not a blessing. And, using the comparatives that Jesus taught, Trump’s presidency is a curse, it is by no means a blessing.
It makes me wonder what is really going on here, given how terrible Trump’s record is with Latinxs. Trump has ordered and is responsible for concentration-camp conditions at our border “detention centers.” Federal courts have had to intervene against squalor in these places. Children have been routinely ripped from their parents’ arms and put in cages. While I think the detention centers are the most egregious examples of Trumps’s terrible attitudes about Latinx people, unfortunately, they top a long list of Trump’s offenses, malignings, missteps, and misrepresentations.
I’m not buying Unanue’s defense as purely patriotic.
Free Speech ≠ No Consequences
Now Unanue is claiming that his speech “has been suppressed.” Nobody tackled him at the podium, heckled or interrupted him, and no one stopped his speech. Unanue said what he wanted to say. Now he is upset because he faces negative economic consequences for his business due to the boycotts, oh, and some really bad PR. In other words, he does not want to be held accountable for what he said. Plus, he won’t apologize.
Oddly enough, Mr. Unanue seems confused. Exercising your First Amendment protection of free speech does not mean you also are constitutionally protected from the consequences of that free speech. We are all likewise accountable for what we say. In other words, given what you say, you may have to pay (for it). That is what is happening to Unanue.
I was struck by how childish his complaint is. We start teaching children as young as 2 years that behavior has consequences. Unanue’s reaction is mindful of another baby’s inability to be accountable for his actions–the Czar of Irresponsible Behavior, Donald J. Trump.
#BoycottGoya or #Buycott?
Amy then asked me, “Are you going to boycott Goya foods?” I answered, yes. I’m white and use Goya products. It’s been suggested a “white boycott” will make no difference. We don’t use a lot of Goya products, but we make our own hummus and use their chickpeas. We also eat their black beans, artichoke hearts, and other foods–all delicious and high quality. But we will now use alternative products made by Latinx companies.
#Buycott has emerged as a conservative counter-action to #BoycottGoya. Supporters of Unanue encourage others to buy about $10 of Goya products. I support this as a form of free speech. However, I do not agree with the reasoning and will not “#buycott.”
Of course, a widespread boycott by Latinxs will have the most negative effect on Goya’s bottom line. But white folks who support social justice can join the boycott although our numbers will be lower–it’s about the principle of the thing. I think we need to speak more directly about our ethics and the ethical decisions we make and why we make them. It is important to boycott products based on our moral compass. By joining our Latinx sisters and brothers, it all adds up. Money talks. How we spend our hard-earned dollars usually makes a big difference.
Grapes and Goya
Interestingly, my wife Linda tells of a childhood memory she had about the effect of a boycott. As César Chavez advocated for the basic rights and wages of migrant workers, Linda’s Roman Catholic parish priest instructed the faithful to boycott grapes. So they did. This boycott happened in parishes across the country, and it got food producers to the bargaining table. Over time, the boycott resulted in gaining greater rights and protections for United Farm Workers.
Señor Chavez was a devout Christian, to the point that he even impressed a company president during an adversarial meeting. Chavez and his work were a blessing. Likewise, our ethical behavior and demand for fairness are important and will be a blessing to others. We can make a difference even by boycotting grapes and Goya.
Donate or Discard Goya Products?
Amy then asked the $64,000 question, “What should people do with their stock of Goya foods if they want to boycott Goya?”
I agree with CNN Commentator, Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, who encourages people to donate their Goya products to local food pantries. Why waste food?
Goya already has our money.
Why not put it to good use and donate good food to those going without?
Let your money speak from your heart of compassion and sense of morality.
A Call to Action
Better yet, send a letter to Unanue and tell him where you donated your Goya foods and why. Put these facts in front of him. Call him at Goya HQ. The phone number is 201-348-4900.
Mr. Robert Unanue, CEO
Goya Food, Inc.
350 County Road
Jersey City, NJ 07307
I think Ana put it best when she tweeted, “The CEO of Goya has every right to his opinion. Consumers have every right to theirs. It’s called freedom.” (See her tweet below)
Preach!
Please don’t throw away food. Many hungry people in our country. Donate unwanted @GoyaFoods products to a food bank. There are many alternative Latin products in the market. The CEO of Goya has every right to his opinion. Consumers have every right to theirs. It’s called freedom. https://t.co/0HVfHT980o pic.twitter.com/W56fyxfT0T
— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) July 10, 2020
In response to #Buycott, make your own Adobo. @adriphase tweeted a recipe for it:
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 ½ tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground turmeric 💕 https://t.co/Kt0jOW0BtF
— paleta de mango. (@adriphase) July 9, 2020
Enjoy not putting your money where your mouth is. #Goyaway! #BoycottGoya!
