GoAskAlex has just written an eye-opening new article, “The Cost of Convenience; Why I Deleted my Amazon Wishlist (And You Should Too)” on her personal website, Go Ask Alex Online.
The informative blog post highlights the popularity of the Wishlist among entertainers, who use the service like a standard gift registry to advise fans of their most-wanted items for purchase – including clothing, makeup, jewelry, electronics, handbags and pre-paid gift cards.
“We know that Amazon is an evil corporation built with the framework of exploiting workers for capital gain. We also know that Amazon is the easiest, most convenient option to receive goodies – and lots of them… wishlists have provided another less commonly spoken about function for performers: a way to underreport their earnings.
“We become in conflict with ourselves, and are faced with the difficult decision to either sacrifice the constant flow of gifts – or admit that we care more about our financial and material gain than we do about the exploitation of our fellow people – and the environment around us.”
Alex notes that the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance – rationalizing choices that go against people’s existing beliefs – keeps the fun flowing between fans and performers even though Amazon blatantly exploits its workers who risk on-the-job injuries while earning poverty-line paychecks.
“I like to think that the majority of people in this world have good intentions, and that includes my fellow performers in the adult entertainment industry… I’ve found the majority of sex workers I’ve met to be open-minded, generous, and empathetic people; they certainly wouldn’t want to support corruption and abuse. Despite this, when you ask adult performers how you can send them a gift, the vast majority of them will link you to their Amazon Wishlist.”
She adds that “it’s unnecessary, unethical, and inhumane to continue supporting Amazon and everything that it stands for. Though I know there are many who are not in a financially secure enough space to turn down the monetary gains associated with these gifts, I urge all of those who are to think seriously about their priorities. What is more important to us – convenience, or humanity? For many years I’ve chosen convenience, and today I choose humanity.”
To read the article in full, visit Go Ask Alex Online and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
