# What do you refuse to do out of principle? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 6, 2010, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428 "2010-08-06T17:56:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![groo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecd19e/32.png) [@groo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/groo)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/81 "2010-08-08T04:39:32Z")
I refuse to do any business by (home) phone that I have not initiated. Whatever it is they’re selling, they have to mail it to me, or if their offer is urgent, we can meet at their place of business or at mine, whichever is more convenient for me. I refuse to feel guilty about the mistreatment of anything that I eat. I refuse to take office supplies home or use my company’s photocopiers for personal use. It’s a slippery slope. I refuse to return pages (or even look at the callback numbers) if I’m paged while talking with someone else or attending a meeting. If I had a pregnant wife or kids in school, or if I was the President or The Batman, I’d probably modify that policy to at least look at the number. I usually return pages within an hour, but sometimes return them the next day. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/82 "2010-08-08T04:54:01Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I refuse to own a Japanese car. > > I know it’s not logical. I know many Japanese cars have more U.S. made parts vs. their “American” counterparts. But I still have a hang-up over them. I know it’s irrational, but I just can’t get over what the Japs did to us in WWII. I refuse to use racial slurs like “Jap”. :rolleyes: > [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > Ame-koh. > > You do realize that Japan is about as racist as a country can get ? Oh, well, that makes it okay then! :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/83 "2010-08-08T05:12:30Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > > [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > > > I refuse to own a Japanese car. > > > > I know it’s not logical. I know many Japanese cars have more U.S. made parts vs. their “American” counterparts. But I still have a hang-up over them. I know it’s irrational, but I just can’t get over what the Japs did to us in WWII. > > I refuse to use racial slurs like “Jap”. :rolleyes: > > > [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > > > Ame-koh. > > > > You do realize that Japan is about as racist as a country can get ? > > Oh, well, that makes it okay then! :rolleyes: Having lived in Hawaii, I do, of course, remember the story that the state’s US Senator Daniel Inouye himself liked to tell of the time, as a newbie, he decided to introduce himself to House Speaker Sam Rayburn. Said Rayburn: “I know who you are. How many one-armed Japs do you think we have in the House?” (Inouye lost an arm fighting in Europe in the US Army.) Inouye remembered the incident fondly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7993a0/32.png) [@Jamaika\_a\_jamaikaiake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamaika_a_jamaikaiake)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/84 "2010-08-08T05:26:29Z")
> [@groo](#): > > I refuse to feel guilty about the mistreatment of anything that I eat. I know this is going to sound snarky, but I truly didn’t realize I felt this way until I read your post: I also refuse to feel guilty about the mistreatment of anything that I eat. That’s why I went vegetarian. I was tired of rationalizing. * * * About Oprah: I read a book by William Faulkner and liked it. My sister-in-law then gave me the three book Oprah set for Christmas. It was the only one she could find. I had no idea Oprah liked William Faulkner. Apparently Oprah has good taste. Anyway, the “Oprah’s Book Club” on the covers did not prevent me from enjoying them. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/85 "2010-08-08T05:38:46Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > > [@Desert\_Nomad](#): > > > > Buy goods made in Israel. > > That’s nice. Do you have any idea how much of the hardware and software in the computer you’re using right now was manufactured or designed in Israel? > > Buh-bye now. Yes, some things in my Mac surely originated there. That’s ok, but when given a choice for example between a Japanese product and a functionally similar Israeli one, I will opt for the Japanese one. I don’t want this to degrade into a Israel/Palestine discussion, I was only stating my preference of goods. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/86 "2010-08-08T05:42:36Z")
> [@suranyi](#): > > > [@Desert\_Nomad](#): > > > > Buy goods made in Israel. > > That’s harder than it might seem. As has been pointed out, Israel has a big tech industry such that they produce hardware and software that goes into many products. Also, they have a huge generic drug industry. Several of the prescription drugs I take, as it turns out, are made in Israel. I don’t think too many Israeli products make it to Dubai where I spend a good portion of my time. The only real technology I own are a Mac laptop, 30" Cinema display, iPod and Sony mobile phone. Checking a few goods around the house (medication, shampoo, some food items.), I find countries of origin as: Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/87 "2010-08-08T05:45:49Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I refuse to own a Japanese car. > > I know it’s not logical. I know many Japanese cars have more U.S. made parts vs. their “American” counterparts. But I still have a hang-up over them. I know it’s irrational, but I just can’t get over what the Japs did to us in WWII. **Moderator Note** : 1941 called and wants its racist epithet back. Good lord, **Crafter\_Man** , you’ve been here long enough to know we frown on racial epithets around here. And while it’s fair to say they provided the initial provocation, we more than paid them back, destroying cities and annihilating far more of their civilians than they ever did of ours. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/88 "2010-08-08T05:57:36Z")
Participate in threads like these. … :smack: ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/89 "2010-08-08T06:19:46Z")
> [@Alice\_The\_Goon](#): > > > [@madmonk28](#): > > > > High five > > So you would just leave me hanging? Sorrry, but I would. I always explain my policy though, which I’m sure makes it less awkward for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![tingbudong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tingbudong/32/520_2.png) [@tingbudong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tingbudong)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/90 "2010-08-08T06:20:26Z")
I won’t tip unless it is deserved. None of that tipping etiquette b.s for me. ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/91 "2010-08-08T06:49:49Z")
Another vote for “nothing.” Buying diamonds comes close – not for geo-politcal reasons, but because it’s so fucking stupid – but if faced with a fiancée who insisted, I would bite my tongue and purchase a rock. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/92 "2010-08-08T07:50:05Z")
I used to avoid eating meat that came from factory farming, but I have not been as good about it lately. In the past, I only ate meat from small family farms, or had been hunted in the wild by friends. It’s really difficult to maintain that and still eat meat, especially if you go out to eat a lot, so I have backslided (backslid?). ---
**Author:** ![hadziin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85f322/32.png) [@hadziin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hadziin)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/93 "2010-08-08T08:07:21Z")
> [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](#): > > Ame-koh. > > You do realize that Japan is about as racist as a country can get ? Having lived there I would have to disagree. China, Korea, Saudi Arabia and the United States are much worse just to name a few and I have lived in them all. I include the USA because they didn’t stop sterilizing Native American girls who went into hospital with the flu or Pneumonia until the '70’s I have 2 cousins who had this done to them. And, Arizona just passed a law requiring “non citizens” to carry their papers but leaves it up to local police as to just who these people are. Here’s a hint they aren’t white ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/94 "2010-08-08T08:26:46Z")
> [@Hockey\_Monkey](#): > > I refuse to eat a beet. I’ve never actually tasted one because beets in a can smell so bad and my childhood self couldn’t get past it. Still can’t. I won’t try them any other way now just on principle. They taste about as bad as they smell. I’ve had them many times, and I still can’t stand them. After trying borscht once a few months ago, I’ve since decided that I, too, will never eat another beet. I just can’t do it. I refuse to go a day without some manner of free time, even if it means cutting into my sleep. (I think that’s why I started staying up so late…because THINGS have to be done during daylight hours.) Whenever I end up going to bed without having had SOME manner of goof-off time, I get crabby. I don’t care if it sounds naive or childish, I want my damn hour of web surfing! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/95 "2010-08-08T12:52:10Z")
I’ve got a whole bunch: - Shop at WalMart, Best Buy, Target, The GAP (and its subsidiaries) or Bed, Bath & Beyond. - Buy _anything_ made by Nestle or one of their umptymillion subsidiaries. - Fly Southwest or United airlines. - Patronize any chain pizza company. - Belong to a Curves gym. - Drink bottled water unless there is no other alternative (I won’t buy it). - Vote for a Republican or Libertarian candidate for any office. - Eat meat. - Visit two of the branches of the local library system. > [@Superhal](#): > > I also think the iTouch/iPhone is what stupid people use instead of a real laptop. I don’t know which one insults me more. The iTouch, to me, is pretty much the crappiest laptop money can buy What is this iTouch you’re on about? _There is no such product as an iTouch_. If you’re talking about the _iPad_, it’s not a laptop, not meant to be a laptop and isn’t called one, isn’t meant to replace one. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/96 "2010-08-08T13:05:36Z")
I do not buy diamonds. I rarely pass a beggar by. I never buy anyone a gift related to tobacco. I do not do business with large banks if I can avoid it. I never return a borrowed car without a full tank of gas. I always give to charity in January. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/97 "2010-08-08T17:07:37Z")
I also wonder if **Crafter Man** avoids German imports. :dubious: -I TRY my damndest not to see a movie made by Scientologists. Tom Cruise and John Travolta movies are pretty easy, and at least most Tom Cruise movies suck. (Except _Interview with the Vampire_.) -Support the Flyers or the Browns. (This year when the Flyers were up against the Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup, some Penguins fans were actually rooting for Philadelphia, just because of the idea of Hossa’s name on the cup. That’s just fucking disgusting) -Or along that vein, root for Ben Roethlisberger. Everyone at training camp was all excited, asking for his autograph, etc. If I ever have kids, I would NEVER allow them to wear his jersey or anything. He’s absolutely disgusting. ---
**Author:** ![Time\_Like\_Tears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@Time\_Like\_Tears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Time_Like_Tears)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/98 "2010-08-08T17:32:34Z")
I try very hard not to… …buy diamonds, more because of their artificial rarity/worth than any political reasons, though those are also abhorrent …buy pets, they cost enough to maintain …patronize any establishment that wouldn’t hire me into any position, ie Hooters or Chick Fil A …pretend my principles are infallible, but I stick to them whenever possible ---
**Author:** ![Teacake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Teacake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teacake)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/99 "2010-08-08T17:34:07Z")
I do my best to avoid Nestle products, anything produced in Israel, and McDonald’s. I will never again fly with Iberia or Ryanair. I will never vote Conservative. I won’t tolerate sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia or any other form of prejudice in my classroom. ---
**Author:** ![alexandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@alexandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alexandra)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2010, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428/100 "2010-08-08T18:03:23Z")
Eat foie gras. Buy kids fags, and when I buy other adults cigarettes I always want my money back. Shop at cheap’n’nasty clothes store Primark. Fly Ryanair. I also try hard to exclusively buy free-range chicken but I’m not always successful on this one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-refuse-to-do-out-of-principle/549428.md?page=6)