The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) is a pro-Palestinian movement for freedom, justice, and equality. Its aim is to completely shatter any international support for Israel against its genocidal war against Palestine. So, as students of IBA, one of the ways we can participate is by boycotting pro-Israeli items on campus until they get replaced with local ones.
I took the extra step of going around to the SC and Pepsi cafe to check out the products. It was a funny sight honestly. I felt like one of those judgmental aunties and might have annoyed the canteen uncles a little by loudly sighing at every snack that I picked up (because they were all products we should be boycotting).
Products to Boycott:
- PepsiCo. Products: Cheetos, Lays, Doritos, Lipton, Pepsi, 7up, Mountain Dew, Miranda, Gatorade, Aquafina, Slice, Sting.
- Fast food chains: KFC, McDonald’s, Hardees, Subway, Burger King, Hardees.
- Nestle Products: Nescafe coffee, Nestle bottled water, Fruita Vitals, milo.
The official list of companies to boycott is shared on the BDS Movement’s social platforms and website.https://iba-today.com/pait-ka-dozakh-what-to-eat-in-ku-canteens/
This means a majority of hydration options (Water FTW), quick snacks for those 15-minute gaps between classes, and the occasional Maskan runs when we get sick and tired of on-campus food choices. So, really, you will not be missing out on A LOT.
Alternatives:
- Gourmet drinks, Pakola, IBA Raptor’s iced teas, KU slushes, Kurleez, Kolson snacks (Slanty, Potato Sticks, Snackers, etc), going back to basics and getting OG bachpan walay papar.
- If you want something fancier than the KU canteens, but less fancy than Xandars or one of those insanely overpriced cafes. I would suggest visiting the multiple restaurants at Maskan (The NOT boycotted ones obviously). Popular choices include Aussie Burger, Hot N Spicy, Sizzlers, Ginsoy, Manpasand, Moos N Clucks, etc
- Bring water from home or steal a friend’s water bottle, Maza juice. If you are getting your daily caffeine intake from woke, make sure to ask them what brand of coffee they are using.
The OG bachpan walay papar.
I know boycotting seems tough, even expensive at times. But, it’s important for us to understand how we can help stop this ongoing war against humanity. Even if it is something as small as boycotting a few snacks. It is our job, as IBA students, to start boycotting these products happening in IBA premises. And also to side-eye when we catch people using these products. Honestly, what tastes better than a company that does not support genocide?
