There has been an increase in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the corporate world.
Many critics argue that this is often used as a marketing ploy to appear progressive without actually making meaningful changes. This essay will explore how some companies have commodified diversity while suppressing authentic queer voices through the lens of three specific examples - Apple, Disney, and Starbucks.
Apple is one such company that has made efforts towards promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
They have released ads featuring same-sex couples and transgender individuals. While these campaigns may seem like a step forward, it is worth considering why Apple chose to focus on certain marginalized groups rather than others. Is the company truly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees? Or are they simply using LGBTQ+ people as a way to sell products? It is also important to note that the ads do not address issues faced by other communities such as racism or ableism. In addition, some suggest that these ads are designed to appeal to white middle-class consumers who already consume their products rather than being representative of a larger population.
Disney has also attempted to embrace diversity with shows such as 'Eureka's Butch Honey Nut Crunch' and 'The Owl House.'
Many feel that these efforts fall short because they fail to include non-binary characters or address systemic issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.
One could argue that portrayals of lesbian relationships in the show tend to be more passive and lacking in agency compared to heterosexual ones. Moreover, there is still a dearth of representation for people of color within the company itself. This is problematic given the fact that people of color make up over half of the US population.
Starbucks has recently been praised for their inclusion initiatives, including hiring more LGBTQ+ employees and promoting them to managerial positions.
This does not necessarily translate into meaningful change within the company culture. Employees have reported feeling pressured to conform to gender norms and fear retaliation if they come out at work.
Starbucks has faced criticism for its partnerships with police departments, which can actively harm transgender individuals.
It seems like corporations use inclusivity rhetoric to sell products while neglecting to address systemic oppression within their own walls.
This essay has explored how companies commodify diversity by using it as a marketing tool without making genuine changes within their organizations. It is crucial to hold businesses accountable for their actions and demand real progress towards creating an inclusive environment for all employees. By doing so, we can create a world where everyone feels seen and valued for who they are rather than being reduced to stereotypes or tokenized for profit.
How do corporations commodify diversity while suppressing authentic queer voices?
The commodification of diversity by corporations often involves the promotion of tokenism and performative activism that fails to address the systemic issues facing marginalized communities. This can lead to the suppression of authentic queer voices as they are overshadowed by the superficial representations of LGBTQ+ individuals presented by corporations.