If you haven’t noticed, there’s a good chance someone in your circle has tried to get you to invest in their business, commonly known as an MLM. To be upfront, I’ve never engaged with an MLM myself. It’s just not for me. However, if it suits you, no judgment—more power to you. My concern with MLMs lies in their predatory and deceptive methods that promise a dream that often turns out to be more illusion than reality.
We’ve long known MLMs can be damaging to finances and friendships, but watching the LuLaRoe documentary revealed something even more alarming. These companies draw women in with the allure of financial independence, empowerment, and opportunity. Yet, if things go south, it’s somehow your fault for not putting in enough effort. It’s bewildering how a system is designed to ensure that only the top 1% can actually make a livable income. Can someone explain that logic?
MLMs have been around for ages, so how do they keep resurfacing? The answer is distressingly simple: they exploit the desire for financial stability, often targeting women. Stay-at-home moms looking to contribute to their household (because managing a home is already a monumental task) or mothers wanting a side gig to provide a little extra for their kids are often the targets. Whether selling leggings, cosmetics, or cleaning supplies, there’s hardly a product that hasn’t fallen victim to this business model. To comprehend why so many women chase the dream of financial freedom through MLMs, we need to explore the psychology behind them, particularly their reliance on toxic positivity.
MLMs and Toxic Positivity
Ugh. “Choose Joy.” At one point, that phrase was my mantra, coinciding with untreated anxiety and depression, which explains a lot. I encountered this toxic positivity mindset through a now-discredited lifestyle influencer who preyed on my insecurities. She was also a frequent speaker at MLM conferences. Hindsight really is 20/20.
In this mindset, if I wanted to lose weight and didn’t, it was because I didn’t try hard enough. If I aspired to be the best mom possible, I wasn’t hustling hard enough to get there. This is the essence of toxic positivity: everything is attainable, and if it’s not, it’s your fault. You’re the one holding yourself back (cue multiple red flags).
This is precisely how MLMs operate. They preach that anything is achievable with enough hard work. They call this empowerment, but I see it as manipulation. Society already has a knack for making women feel inadequate. MLMs amplify this message, offering a false sense of escape. As if mental health issues and financial struggles only arise from a lack of positivity? The reality for many entering these schemes is that they’re searching for solutions to their problems, often without the resources to navigate them. Some have even suggested selling breast milk to cover startup costs—what in the actual world? The issue isn’t selling breast milk; it’s that these women are being drawn into a scheme that positions them as mere customers rather than business owners.
It’s Not You, It’s Them
What’s wrong with wanting financial security? Absolutely nothing. Is there anything inherently wrong with wanting to be your own boss, set your own hours, and pursue your dreams? Not at all. The drive to join an MLM often stems from a search for a clear path to achieve these desires, and the leaders of these organizations are acutely aware of this. They say, “Look at me; I did it, and so can you.” While that might hold some truth, they are also being far from transparent. It works for a select few, but the numbers are limited. Not everyone who joins will see those results.
There’s plenty of information out there highlighting the tactics of MLMs, and countless warnings have been shared. Yet, the voices urging caution are not nearly as loud or numerous as those promoting these schemes. The rhetoric from MLM leaders often dismisses skeptics as jealous or resentful. The message is clear: “Be different, be bold, be brave.” Call it what you like, but the intent remains the same.
Let’s set the record straight: it’s not you; it’s them. Wanting to improve your life, spend quality time with family, and achieve financial security is perfectly valid. However, it’s wrong for others to exploit those desires for their own gain. For more insights on this subject, check out this post on this blog.
If you’re looking for additional resources, Make a Mom provides excellent information on boosting fertility, and the CDC is a reliable source for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In summary, MLMs prey on women’s aspirations for financial security and empowerment through deceptive practices that leverage toxic positivity. The allure of success often hides the reality that only a select few truly benefit from these schemes. Women seeking to improve their lives deserve better than to be manipulated into pursuing unattainable dreams.
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