One way to put pressure on companies to be more inclusive is through boycotting their products or services. In recent years, there have been many cases where people have refused to buy from certain companies because they felt that those businesses were discriminating against certain groups of people, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or minorities. This has led to public outcry and even legislation banning certain practices, like asking for gender-specific restrooms or using discriminatory language.
Boycotts can take many forms, but they typically involve refusing to purchase goods or services from a company until it changes its policies or practices. This type of protest can be very effective in influencing change, especially when it comes to media organizations. When large numbers of consumers refuse to watch television shows or movies produced by a particular studio or network, the company may feel compelled to make changes to ensure future success.
In 2016, several celebrities and activists called for a boycott of Netflix after the streaming service released a show featuring a transgender character played by a cisgender actor. The backlash was so strong that Netflix eventually apologized and pledged to work harder to cast trans actors in future roles. Similarly, in 2017, fans of "The View" started a campaign against ABC after one of the hosts made disparaging remarks about bisexuality. After losing viewership, the network issued an apology and vowed to do better in representing all sexual orientations on the show.
Not all boycotts are successful. In some cases, companies may simply ignore the demands of their customers or claim that they have already taken steps to become more inclusive.
Boycotts can have unintended consequences, such as hurting workers who may lose their jobs if a company goes under due to a lack of revenue. Still, when used strategically and with awareness of potential drawbacks, boycotts can be an important tool for pushing for greater representation in media.
How do media boycotts pressure companies into inclusivity?
The act of boycotting media is an effective way for marginalized communities to express their displeasure towards a company's lack of inclusion. By not watching or consuming products from a particular company, marginalized individuals can put economic pressure on the business, encouraging them to make changes that are more inclusive.