"Blaming panic buyers tends to obscure what's really going on. During the lockdowns, bulk buying was framed as irrational, antisocial and immoral. Individual shoppers were blamed for creating disorder and chaos through panicked, frenetic behaviour."
"Adaptive purchasing behaviour is a deeply human and historically common response to uncertainty. People have often stockpiled during times of disaster, with what they buy depending on the context."
"Focusing on individual behaviour distracted from the global crises and structural issues. The media's portrayal can fuel anxiety, drive bulk buying and stigmatise already vulnerable groups."
Panic buying in Australia, driven by fears of oil shortages, has led to blame directed at consumers, which obscures underlying problems. The media's portrayal of panic buyers during the Covid-19 toilet paper crisis highlighted how such narratives can increase anxiety and stigmatize vulnerable groups. Bulk buying is often framed negatively, but it is a common response to uncertainty. Historical examples show that stockpiling varies by context, and focusing on individual actions detracts from addressing broader global crises and structural issues.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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