Business owner: Big tech can take American dream 'away in a heartbeat.' How the parallel economy fights back

Businesses that push back on woke ideology say big tech "handicapped" them. But two tech companies tell Fox News Digital they don't discriminate based on politics.

Political polarization has given rise to a so-called parallel economy for shoppers sick of progressive companies, but many "anti-woke" businesses say tech giants are putting hurdles in their path that don't exist for their counterparts.

"All of these brands and businesses are being limited in a way that brands who tout left-wing talking points are not limited," Jennifer Sey, CEO of the pro-women apparel company XX-XY Athletics, said.

Jennifer Sey, CEO of the pro-women apparel company XX-XY Athletics, says a Meta advertising tool disproportionately leaves out influencers whose audiences are likely to be interested in her products. Critics say it's just one example of how Big Tech makes it more difficult for so-called parallel economy brands to compete. (XX-XY Athletics)

'DISRESPECTFUL' AND 'AGGRESSIVELY LEFT-WING' ADVERTISING SPURS GROWTH OF PARALLEL ECONOMY

Those limits include payment processors freezing businesses' funds, social media companies revoking or censoring advertisements, and broadcasters requiring political disclaimers on commercials, Sey and other business owners told Fox News Digital, though tech companies have denied targeting anyone over political beliefs.

"That's what's happened with big tech is they have that much control over the American dream and individuals just trying to pursue a better life for themselves," business owner James Staake, who previously had more than $100,000 in funds frozen by PayPal, said. "They can take it away in a heartbeat."

Staake's business Your American Flag Store sells handcrafted, solid-wood American flags.