I’ve begun discontinuing many US services in favor of EU ones. However, I’ve noticed that some individuals, instead of simply ceasing to use American products, resorted to illegally downloading everything. While it’s true that the money goes to the US when you pay, it can’t justify disrespecting others’ hard work and effort while still consuming or using their products, and it is also illegal. This is especially true considering that they likely don’t have any direct connection to MAGA. This applies to actors, directors, YouTubers, and many others. We should simply cease using their products without giving them any further consideration.
I think that there are three elements that you have to discuss seperately:
Software
If you buy European, you don’t just want the US software, but for free. If you pirate Windows, well, you are still on Windows. If you pirate Photoshop, you are still in Adobes ecosystem and chances are great that, if you’re start doing photo editing professionally, that you will have to buy a license again. So you want to build a “Trump free” tech stack where random fascist tech bros can’t screw you and that automatically means something Linux based and there really is not much to pirate as most stuff there is awesome and free
Movies
Yeah, start downloading as you want. But also keep in mind that many Hollywood movies are also some kind of propaganda. And all that US patriotism in their movies feels empty right now and there will be major movies pushing MAGA narratives. Look for James Bond fighting against refugee drug smugglers or something like that
Music
Let’s be honest: Your favorite Artists won’t get anything from the 10€ you’re paying to Spotify so it really doesn’t matter if you pirate.
But: You want a vibrant European cultural scene. You want local bands. You want European movies. Go see some concerts. Check out what your public broadcaster offers. Be part of that vibrant cultural scene, it’s awesome!
(and one last word: Many people here are hit massively by inflation, rents, social cuts and unemployment. Don’t feel bad if you don’t have the money, piracy is a great way to save money)___
Regarding music, I think the largest European platform apart from Spotify is SoundCloud. They are based in Berlin. (They did receive significant funding from American investment firms. Still, I think it’s good if SoundCloud can increase their market share, even more so because this platform is very helpful for independent artists.)
For laymen’s computer, you can use Linux For movies you can borrow them at your public library or get a VOD access to your local online library For music you can use deezzer