Welcome to the Woke Wars: Robby Starbuck and the American Boycott Brigade
So, let’s talk about America, shall we? The land of freedom, opportunity, and… boycotts? Yes, folks, in 2024, the battle lines are drawn not just over who gets to make the presidential sandwiches, but also over what constitutes a good ol’ American brand. If you thought “buy American, hire Americans” was catchy back in 2016, brace yourself for the contemporary remix of that slogan: “Boycott the woke!” It’s really a whole new wave of activism—because nothing screams patriotism louder than blowing up a motorcycle! I mean, really, what happened to just a nice cup of coffee and a donut?
Enter our hero, Robby Starbuck, the self-proclaimed “activist” turning the American landscape into his personal battleground against inclusivity. If you’re not familiar, Starbuck isn’t just a coffee shop; he’s also the name of a guy wielding a high-caliber machine gun—aimed squarely at the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He’s like if John Wayne and a frustrated college student had a baby and raised it on Fox News and fallout from the pandemic. So, farewell to coping as a society; we’re too busy deciding **who** gets to ride into the sunset unscathed.
In one of those unbelievable plot twists that could only happen in today’s news cycle, Starbuck launched a YouTube channel where he features a certain shiny Harley Davidson bike—and then, well, he brutalizes it with a machine gun. Picture it: 1.2 million views later, and I can practically hear the collective gasps and cheers of his audience who would rather storm a Capitol than buy a latte from a “woke” company. Because when did firing a couple hundred rounds into your motorcycle become the new ‘American pastime’? That’s a new kind of “live free or die hard.”
Starbuck, a son of a Cuban immigrant—I mean, way to keep it interesting—has somehow managed to rally some hard-hitting support in the corporate world. Big names like Harley Davidson and John Deere are now knee-deep in a dialogue about whether to hire diverse workforces or face the wrath of a bunch of disgruntled bikers. Come on, folks, this is some serious market research…or rather, market retaliation! It’s like he’s saying, “Who needs reasoned discourse when I’ve got a machine gun and social media?”
And let’s just give a moment of silent laughter for how he tried to enter the political ring back in 2022 but was promptly escorted to the ‘uninvited’ lounge by the GOP bouncers. “Sorry, but you can’t just stroll into the Republican party with a machine gun and expect a primary election, buddy.”
But do you see how savvy he’s gotten? Targeting ‘companies with at least half Republican buyers’—really? Talk about a niche marketing strategy! There’s something refreshing about watching a man take what should be a debate about inclusion and diversity and turning it into a battlefield of brands. Clear your calendars for November 5; it promises to be more intense than a toddler’s toy aisle meltdown. And if there’s one thing this campaign has taught us, it’s that when in doubt, just blow stuff up—metaphorically speaking, of course!
So grab your MAGA hats and start practicing your boycott chants, folks! The next time you sip your coffee or crank your Harley, just remember: in the grand scheme of things, you’re either supporting ‘woke culture’ or you might just be the next shouting point for Robby Starbuck’s revolt. Here’s to keeping it traditional—just as long as ‘traditional’ means using a keyboard and your nearest YouTube link for the drama, rather than a war room filled with angry men in plaid shirts. Who knew the 2024 election would be fueled by machine guns and latte shaming?
In 2016, one of the most memorable and potent slogans from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign was “buy American, hire Americans.” As the 2024 election approaches, the significance of this message resonates profoundly with another dimension: companies may proudly display the stars and stripes, yet if they embrace “woke” culture and adopt inclusive gender policies, they risk facing boycotts from fervent supporters. Trump’s allies have left no stone unturned, specifically targeting iconic brands such as Harley Davidson, Starbucks, and Disney, aggressively rallying against such corporate shifts.
One illustrative act of rebellion can be seen in a provocative video from the YouTube channel Columbia War Machine, titled Harley Davidson Went Woke! So I destroyed My Bike, in which the owner of a gleaming Harley Davidson bike dramatically obliterates it with a high-caliber machine gun. This channel, boasting an impressive subscription count of 928 thousand, has seen the video amass around 1.2 million views. While not all viewers may endorse the destruction showcased, the content undeniably piqued the interest of many, sparking discussions on corporate responsibility and consumer loyalty.
At the helm of this rising campaign against the inclusivity policies of major American brands is a determined director named Robby Starbuck, only 35 years old but already making waves in the political landscape. Dismissing the notion that Starbuck’s endeavors are limited to entertaining casual right-wing viewers would be misguided. In fact, the campaigns spearheaded by Starbuck have garnered significant concessions from renowned companies like Harley Davidson, tractor manufacturing giant John Deere, automotive titan Ford, the home improvement retailer Lowe’s, and legacy American beer brand Coors. While ideologues such as Bannon stemmed from discussions surrounding international geopolitics and conspiracy theories to gain Trump’s favor, Starbuck is focused on action—insisting that certain American values must remain intact in the face of societal changes.
Starbuck has his wife alongside him, both actively opposing mask mandates during the pandemic. In 2024, they produced a film titled The War on Children, which conveys a clear message: the American left, through its progressive stances on gender issues, seeks to engage children in battles they aren’t ready for. As the son of a Cuban immigrant, Starbuck made a notable transition from California to Tennessee, near Nashville. Despite having a rocky relationship with the Republican establishment—having faced rejection when he attempted to run for Congress in 2022—Starbuck found an ally in Elon Musk after he acquired Twitter and rebranded it as X. As a Trump supporter, Musk quickly recognized and commended Starbuck’s campaigns on the platform, which brought the director’s initiatives into the spotlight, helping his follower count rise to 675,000.
One of Starbuck’s earlier confrontations targeted the longstanding company Tractor Supply, which has been a staple in American agriculture since its establishment in 1938. The company supplies essential equipment for home and agricultural needs, boasting a network of 2,250 stores across the nation, making it an integral resource for farmers and pet owners alike. When Starbuck initiated calls for a boycott, the company initially overlooked his protests.
However, after some time, company executives decided to revisit and reconsider their inclusive policies, a decision that Starbuck heralded as “a huge victory for sanity” and “the biggest boycott victory of our lifetime.” On September 5, the Financial Times published a feature profiling Starbuck under the title Robby Starbuck: The activist pushing US companies to abandon their DEI vows, where ‘DEI’ stands for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The article noted that Starbuck’s growing influence has surpassed that of many prominent Republican attorneys general in compelling corporate America to reevaluate their diversity initiatives. Rather than casting a wide net, Starbuck strategically investigates consumer demographics, focusing his efforts on companies that cater to a significant Republican clientele. No matter how the political landscape shifts as we approach November 5, Starbuck has amasses a loyal following for his causes and remains steadfast in his commitment: “big companies abuse their conservative customers” and exploit their financial support to bolster “woke” ideologies. With a strong backing from traditional values, and empowered by social media, Starbuck shows no signs of retreating; not even the formidable Harley Davidson is beyond his reach.
Photo from Robby Starbuck’s Twitter profile
**Interview with Robby Starbuck on the American Boycott Brigade and Corporate Responsibility**
**Host:** Welcome to “The Woke Wars” where we dive deep into today’s controversies. I’m joined today by Robby Starbuck, the activist at the forefront of a movement challenging corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives that he claims are “woke.” Robby, thanks for being here.
**Robby Starbuck:** Thanks for having me! It’s good to be in a space where we can talk about the real issues facing American companies and consumers today.
**Host:** Let’s get straight to it. Recent reports indicate that major companies, including Ford, are scaling back their DEI policies under pressure from your campaigns. What do you say to those who argue that these initiatives are essential for fostering inclusivity and equity in the workplace?
**Robby Starbuck:** Inclusivity shouldn’t come at the cost of American values. Many of these DEI policies are being pushed in a way that alienates a significant portion of the consumer base that doesn’t agree with them. It’s not about dismantling diversity, but ensuring it’s genuinely inclusive of all viewpoints, including those who feel sidelined by these initiatives.
**Host:** Some critics have called your approach a form of corporate bullying, claiming that it creates a hostile environment for discussions around progress. How do you respond to that?
**Robby Starbuck:** I view it as holding corporations accountable. When companies choose to embrace a one-sided narrative, they risk alienating their customers. It’s important for Americans to voice their concerns and for companies to understand the implications of their policies. If the market responds negatively, they have to adjust.
**Host:** Your recent YouTube video where you destroy a Harley Davidson attracted a lot of attention. What was the message behind that?
**Robby Starbuck:** The video was a symbolic act. Harley Davidson is an iconic American brand, and when they choose to embrace policies that resonate with extreme political ideologies, it feels like they’re turning their back on core customers. It was a way to showcase the frustration many feel and to rally support for keeping traditional values alive in the brand’s identity.
**Host:** What do you say to those who argue that your methods might be too extreme or counterproductive to the very conversation about inclusion that you want?
**Robby Starbuck:** The situation is extreme, which is why radical measures may be necessary. When traditional discussions around values are drowned out by a loud, singular narrative, we have to find ways to disrupt that. If it gets people talking, then I see it as effective.
**Host:** You’re clearly tapping into a growing sentiment among certain consumer groups. But do you think this approach can lead to meaningful dialogue or is it more about the spectacle?
**Robby Starbuck:** It’s both. The spectacle draws attention, but the real goal is to ignite conversations. We need to challenge these narratives and invite everyone to the table, including those who feel their voices aren’t being heard.
**Host:** Lastly, as we see these movements affecting brands, what do you envision for the future of corporate America?
**Robby Starbuck:** I believe we’re heading towards a tipping point where companies will realize that they can thrive by respecting their customer base and being honest about their values. If they don’t, they risk losing loyal supporters and not just financially but morally too.
**Host:** Thank you, Robby. It’s clear that your campaigns have sparked a national conversation, whether we agree with your methods or not.
**Robby Starbuck:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep talking about what really matters in our society.
**Host:** And on that note, we’ll wrap up this segment. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of American values and corporate responsibility.
