When a tech giant can't figure out how to remember Black History Month (but can rename the Gulf of Mexico), it's time for a history lesson in corporate fuckery.
Sadly I am attached to Google for my email address, which I think most of us are. Would LOVE to hear from someone who knows what they're talking about with an answer for you here!
I'd like to know this as well...I hate that I am tied to all of it right now. I'd really like to know who I can send my complaints to. I would like to flood their offices/phones/voicemail with my disgust.
I personally am using timetree, although my professional life requires I use Google. It has many fun features and while it doesn’t integrate with email like Google does, it is a Japanese company and is unlikely to get rid of MLK day, etc.
Ecosia has been my go-to browser, and Mozilla Firefox has also replaced Chrome. It’s honestly a much better option for privacy and has a lot of good integrated features (Privacy Badger and NordPass both work much better than on Chrome).
Still working on a photo/file management system to replace Google Photos.
I knew they were evil back in 2017 when I visited West Bank and Google would refuse to provide directions there. I was driving from Tel Aviv and as soon as I hit the border, the map would go blank and not allow me to navigate or give me directions. Fuck Google.
I think the lesson we all need to learn is that a full cessation of governance to indigenous nations and black americans is the way to end white supremacy. These issues all came from Europe. We can’t solve what we created using our own playbook.
I downloaded everything from my Google Drive today and then deleted it. It’s gonna be harder to get rid of the Gmail, but I’m gonna work on it. I’ve been using DuckDuckGo for over a year now I still sometimes go to Google Chrome if I can’t find something, but I’m not even gonna do that anymore. If I’m searching for something I’ll go to Yahoo or even Bing, but I’m done with Google.
For anyone who doesn't know where to start, get an alternative browser like Duck Duck Go, Brave, or Firefox - search "degoogling guides." I used the site The Opt Out Project to lead me through the process. It is challenging, but possible, and feels SO good on the other side.
For what it’s worth, I just sent Google this message using the “Send Feedback” feature on gmail:
Hi there! I noticed your company tacitly removed Black History Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month from its calendar app. Please put them back. You appear to be complying in advance with draconian orders from a corrupt political administration. As scholar Timothy Snyder says, complying in advance simply shows power what it can do. I’d like to see your company use its power for good to stand up for vulnerable groups like those whose holiday months you’ve recently erased, rather than cave to authoritarian bullies. Do better. We are counting on you.
Satisfying things to do with your phone:
Go to Google…
Easy breezy Resistance task: Flood Google with this:
1. Google Gulf of Mexico.
2. it says Gulf of America
3. Click three little dots to the right of it
4. hit "Send Feedback"
5. hit "Gulf Of America"
6. hit "Inaccurate content".
7. hit "Incorrect", then tell them its name: ‘This body of water is the Gulf of Mexico’
8. Repeat task often :)
Thanks for this! I’m going to do this right now:)
I also just did this! Thank you for sharing.
Remember when Google's motto was "Don't Be Evil"? I find that pretty fucking hilarious these days.
Sounds like a catchy slogan for corruption!
Totally. Or a cover for bro-thoritarianism.
I hate all of this. Are there any calendar recommendations or hell even phone recommendations that aren't Google? Because fuck them.
Sadly I am attached to Google for my email address, which I think most of us are. Would LOVE to hear from someone who knows what they're talking about with an answer for you here!
The social media exodus is happening. The email exodus is coming.
Maybe Proton?
Apparently they've had some controversy with their CEO praising the Republicans
https://techstory.in/proton-mail-faces-backlash-over-claims-of-political-neutrality-amid-ceos-praise-for-republican-party/
I'd like to know this as well...I hate that I am tied to all of it right now. I'd really like to know who I can send my complaints to. I would like to flood their offices/phones/voicemail with my disgust.
I personally am using timetree, although my professional life requires I use Google. It has many fun features and while it doesn’t integrate with email like Google does, it is a Japanese company and is unlikely to get rid of MLK day, etc.
Ecosia has been my go-to browser, and Mozilla Firefox has also replaced Chrome. It’s honestly a much better option for privacy and has a lot of good integrated features (Privacy Badger and NordPass both work much better than on Chrome).
Still working on a photo/file management system to replace Google Photos.
I knew they were evil back in 2017 when I visited West Bank and Google would refuse to provide directions there. I was driving from Tel Aviv and as soon as I hit the border, the map would go blank and not allow me to navigate or give me directions. Fuck Google.
I think Bernie Sanders has a message today for all of us. One of fighting. One of hope. Here’s a link.
https://brentabrahamson1.substack.com/p/fighting-words-from-bernie-sanders?r=3tcdr4
Fun fact: fascism was originally called corporatism. Until it got rebranded by corporations!
I’m genuinely surprised by Fanta which sucks because I love that soda so much.
It was my absolute favorite as a kid.
JFC. I'm about ready to do what boomers still do and get myself a physical date book....daytimer? Pocket calendar thingy. Now what to do about email?
You can leave a Review of the Gulf on Google or Google Maps. I did and it’s gleefully childish…and free. Pick your own photo😎
Currently disabled :/
loved this read, loving your work. thank you 🌼
Thank you!
I think the lesson we all need to learn is that a full cessation of governance to indigenous nations and black americans is the way to end white supremacy. These issues all came from Europe. We can’t solve what we created using our own playbook.
fukk yes
I downloaded everything from my Google Drive today and then deleted it. It’s gonna be harder to get rid of the Gmail, but I’m gonna work on it. I’ve been using DuckDuckGo for over a year now I still sometimes go to Google Chrome if I can’t find something, but I’m not even gonna do that anymore. If I’m searching for something I’ll go to Yahoo or even Bing, but I’m done with Google.
FROM NOW ON I WILL CELEBRATE ONLY PUBIC HOLIDAYS - THIS IS NOT A TYPO.
from now on im only celebrating my own holidays that i made up.
Big Bootie Britches Day
Yoga pants Day
Wankin and Spankin Day
Psychedelic substances Day
Drunk in public Day
etc etc
For anyone who doesn't know where to start, get an alternative browser like Duck Duck Go, Brave, or Firefox - search "degoogling guides." I used the site The Opt Out Project to lead me through the process. It is challenging, but possible, and feels SO good on the other side.
For what it’s worth, I just sent Google this message using the “Send Feedback” feature on gmail:
Hi there! I noticed your company tacitly removed Black History Month, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Month from its calendar app. Please put them back. You appear to be complying in advance with draconian orders from a corrupt political administration. As scholar Timothy Snyder says, complying in advance simply shows power what it can do. I’d like to see your company use its power for good to stand up for vulnerable groups like those whose holiday months you’ve recently erased, rather than cave to authoritarian bullies. Do better. We are counting on you.
What are alternatives to google email and google calendar?
Proton mail