Understanding the Relationship Between Conservatives and Corporations

There's an ongoing debate about why conservatives often defend corporations, despite these organizations frequently running against conservative values. This article explores the nuances of this relationship, clarifying the difference between corporate policies and the principles upheld by traditional conservatives.

The Contradictory Landscape

It is indeed peculiar when corporations and business leaders who openly advocate for liberal policies are defended by conservatives. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, two prominent figures in the tech industry, are known to be Democratic supporters. Similarly, major Hollywood studios, which are themselves corporations, align with the Democratic Party. Despite this, many conservatives hold the Republican Party as a bastion of business values. However, the reality is quite different; corporations often favor the status quo and lobby for policies that benefit them at the expense of competition and innovation.

Does Profit and Job Creation Justify Support?

Some argue that corporations can be defended because they contribute to profit and job creation, which are conservative values. However, this argument is oversimplified. The Republican Party, traditionally seen as pro-business, has increasingly become about lobbying and campaign donations, rather than genuine support for a free market. Corporations are not mere examples of a free market that values competition and innovation; they often work against these values by seeking regulatory protections and monopolistic advantages.

Conservative Values vs. Capitalist Values

Conservatives often speak against the narrow interpretation of capitalist values perpetuated by corporations. While many Republicans may support corporate profits and job creation, these actions do not inherently align with conservative values. Conservative values are broader and encompass social, cultural, and economic policies that promote traditional values, morality, and individual responsibility.

The Flawed Narrative

The idea that all Republicans (or Repugnicants) are unconditionally supportive of corporations is misleading. Traditional conservatives on occasion encourage their followers to boycott specific corporations. For example, in 2007, some conservative groups called for boycotts of companies that supported broad abortion access or were unfriendly to Christmas. Even in the late 2010s, “Naughty or Nice” lists for boycotts still existed. More recently, after the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, some companies offered to help pay for abortion procedures, leading to the desire for people to boycott them.

These boycotts, however, are not always as effective as conservatives hope. Sometimes, this ineffectiveness stems from a small oligopoly of corporations aligning with liberal or left-wing values, leaving no alternative for consumers. Other times, it's due to a lack of awareness, apathy, or unwillingness to make sacrifices unless directly impacted.

Concluding Thoughts

The relationship between conservatives and corporations is more complex than a simple alignment of interests. While corporations do contribute to profits and job creation, the frequent defense of these entities by conservatives often stems from broader political ideologies and pragmatic considerations rather than a strict adherence to conservative values.