How I learned to stop worrying and love the politicization of shopping

This is the real lesson of L'affair Nordstrom

Vote with your wallet.
(Image credit: Photo Illustration | Images courtesy iStock, Mopic / Alamy Stock Photo)

Call it the reductio ad Baio — that moment when the politicization of consumer goods, or retail tribalism, reaches a new low of absurdity.

It happens like this: Nordstrom declares it's dropping presidential daughter Ivanka Trump's product line. The president tweets against Nordstrom in high dudgeon. "Many women nationwide" (according to Breitbart News', ahem, unscientific estimate) cut up their Nordstrom cards in protest of the luxury retailer's decision. And Charles in Charge actor Scott Baio declares that he will "NEVER AGAIN!" shop at Nordstrom.

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Scott Galupo

Scott Galupo is a freelance writer living in Virginia. In addition to The Week, he blogs for U.S. News and reviews live music for The Washington Post. He was formerly a senior contributor to the American Conservative and staff writer for The Washington Times. He was also an aide to Rep. John Boehner. He lives with his wife and two children and writes about politics to support his guitar habit.