Addressing the Diversity Backlash: moving forward

This blog will be charged with emotions and thoughts. Can you think of any laws that give the government the power to make decisions about the male body? Harris once asked Kavanaugh. I have yet to hear a compelling answer to that question. And let’s face it—women still haven't reached equality. The facts speak for themselves:

• Gender Pay Gap: On average, women earn less than men for the same work. In 2023, women globally earned about 77% of what men earned for equivalent roles—a gap that remains significant across almost all industries.
• Leadership Representation: Despite some progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership. Globally, only 32% of senior management positions are held by women, with even lower numbers in certain industries.
• Access to Education: In many parts of the world, girls still face barriers to education. The United Nations reports that over 130 million girls are out of school globally, with factors such as poverty, child marriage, and cultural norms contributing to this disparity.

“It is time that men and boys recognize the part they must play in gender equality and join with the voices and actions of the women and girls who are trying to re-shape society in the interests of us all.”– Jimmy Carter, former President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, on the importance of engaging boys and men in the fight for gender equality. 

Diversity isn't just about ticking boxes for gender, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. It's far more complex, which often makes the topic polarizing. Yet, if I were to explain diversity to a child, I'd probably say something like: “Diversity is like a potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish—each one unique, delicious, and adding something special to the table. The more variety, the better the feast!"

It’s hard to believe that vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics are rapidly gaining market share, while companies like Coors are stepping away from DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. If we think about it, this suggests we may be valuing the rights and well-being of animals more than our fellow humans. How is it possible that, as a society, we're so focused on ethical treatment for animals, yet turn a blind eye to equity and justice for marginalized groups? This can't be the values we aspire to uphold, or can it? (And by the way I am an animal lover and fighter of their rights too! And I am by no means saying this is less important, just food for thought)

Women, as a consumer demographic, show strong interest in products that align with social and environmental responsibility. They are an underrepresented group that still fights for their rights and may be more sensitive to these causes.

In contrast, brands like Coors and Ford that have engaged in LGBTQ+ advertising have faced backlash from some of their traditional, male-dominated consumer base. This reflects how different markets respond to social issues. It suggests that certain audiences may be more resistant to progressive messaging, especially when it challenges their expectations or identity. For companies, choosing between progressive values and the risk of alienating their core consumers can’t be easy.

When thinking of resistance, this quote from Bill Gates comes to mind: "People always fear change. People feared electricity when it was invented. Didn’t they?"

There’s this whole "go woke or go broke" trend lately, and I don’t get it. The narrative usually suggests that when companies embrace progressive values—like DEI initiatives or environmental sustainability—they risk losing a portion of their traditional customer base, which could lead to financial losses. But the reality is much more nuanced. Some companies may face short-term backlash, but others thrive by aligning with the evolving values of a more socially conscious consumer base. Saying that brands should just focus on their product without taking a stance is overly simplistic.

Companies are legally recognized as "persons" in many legal systems, which gives them rights and responsibilities similar to individuals. This concept, known as "corporate personhood," allows companies to enter contracts, own property, and exercise constitutional rights like free speech. Corporate personhood has been central to debates about corporate influence on social or political issues. If companies are considered "persons" under the law, one could argue that they have a responsibility to stand up for their values and beliefs, just as individuals do. This perspective suggests that a company's legal rights also come with ethical obligations.

In a diverse world, we should recognize the right to different opinions while striving to maintain harmony. Differing viewpoints aren't just inevitable—they’re valuable. Diversity in thought, background, and experience drives progress. While we may not always agree, we must foster respectful dialogue and cooperation. The path to a more inclusive and just world requires us to acknowledge each other’s perspectives without diminishing the pursuit of equality.

When it comes to gender equity, issues like the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and barriers to education show us that the work for true equality is far from over. Facts support this reality, and any society that values fairness should prioritize addressing these inequalities. It’s perplexing that we can rally behind cruelty-free cosmetics while overlooking systemic inequalities that persist among marginalized human groups.

Furthermore, companies, just like individuals, have a responsibility to stand for the values they believe in. This includes supporting civil rights, DEI initiatives, and progressive movements—even when there’s backlash. The "go woke or go broke" narrative oversimplifies a deeper conversation about evolving consumer values and how brands can adapt. If we expect individuals to live by their values, why should companies be any different?

Ultimately, harmonious coexistence requires us to respect different perspectives, but this respect doesn’t mean compromising on justice and equality. It means engaging with differences constructively, learning from them, and, where possible, finding common ground. I’ll end with this quote: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.