the economy is a circle. people choose where they buy from and what they buy, and producers and stores don't just make money from thin air.

people often choose convenience and lower price, indirectly choosing to be part of something "big" by supporting the big business. there is a disconnect in thinking choosing higher inconvenience and cost in the name of supporting smaller businesses "does anything" - except youre already doing something, youre supporting the big business and literally responsible for its success

same thing happens when a mutual fund rewards a company for profits while ignoring how it got them. nevermind we are simultaneously the customers and employees these companies poorly treat, extort and squeeze for every penny.

until people decide individually to make decisions and sacrifices for everyones future, rather than spouting the obvious propaganda that individual action doesn't matter, therefore why bother? it can't.

also, late stage capitalism doesnt do stability- you get yours while you can and get out because the next crash is coming soon

america is a country full of people who can't wait for the next new thing they'll be able to point to their neighbors also doing and shrug, while whatever it is further burns their world to the ground. lately that thing is ditching pensions and low yield investments to make retirement dependent on the profits of giant, horrible companies. I honestly think it'll be the one of a thousand papercuts as everyone shirks responsibility because, hey, this bread and these circuses aren't that bad...

edit tl;dr americans have a serious disconnect between their actions and the consequences of them at scale. until that changes, we all lose