Picture this: you’re deep in the media world, where everyone talks about “diversity” and “inclusion” as if it were second nature. It’s in every conversation, every note, and every major event. But here’s the thing; Do we really know what these words mean? And do we actually care about what they represent?
In reality, the terms “diversity” and “inclusion” have become buzzwords thrown around without much thought to their true meaning. They adorn corporate statements and meeting agendas. But there’s a sense of comfort in the industry where superficial gestures take precedence over real actions. We need to delve deeper into what these concepts actually mean.
Let’s rewind a bit to the sad passing of George Floyd, who was killed four years ago this week. Suddenly every brand was rushing to show they cared and making big promises to make things better. From hiring more diverse teams to supporting marginalized groups, this felt like a turning point for justice and equality. However, as time passed, these promises began to disappear. Money concerns arose and soon budgets for diversity and inclusion were slashed.
The death of George Floyd has sparked a flurry of institutional and public pledges to address systemic inequities. But as the initial shock subsided and attention turned elsewhere, many of these words began to ring hollow. Budget constraints and economic uncertainties have become convenient excuses to back away from diversity initiatives, leaving marginalized communities overlooked and underserved once again.
Ignoring diverse groups is not only a moral issue, it’s also a missed opportunity for brands to make money
Behind the scenes, cutting these budgets shows a larger problem with how companies view fairness and inclusion for everyone. The problem is: ignoring different groups is not just a moral problem; It is also a missed opportunity for brands to connect with more people and make more money. It’s like leaving money on the table and not even realizing it.
In my experience, the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in companies is often championed by a single voice or a small group of passionate individuals, rather than embraced as a collective responsibility.
While some real engagement certainly exists, the broader culture often fails to prioritize diversity and inclusion as integral components of business strategy.
This fragmented approach not only limits the scope and impact of diversity initiatives, but also perpetuates a cycle of tokenism and superficial inclusion. It is time for companies to move from individual advocacy to corporate engagement, embedding diversity and inclusion into every aspect of their operations and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
The erosion of diversity budgets and inclusion initiatives reveals deeper systemic problems in the corporate world. This reflects a lack of genuine commitment to equity and inclusion, where short-term financial gains are prioritized over long-term social progress.
By ignoring diverse audiences, brands are not only betraying their ethical responsibilities, they are also missing important opportunities for growth and innovation.
Now let’s think about who is most affected by all this; people who are always fighting to be heard. With less help and less chance of success, their voices may get lost in the noise. This is a wake-up call for all of us to think hard about what really matters and whose voice we are actually listening to.
Marginalized communities bear the brunt of this neglect, facing limited opportunities for advancement and diminished representation in mainstream media narratives.
Despite lip service to diversity and inclusion, these communities continue to face systemic barriers that impede their progress and perpetuate inequality. We need to go beyond ostentatious gestures.
By ignoring diverse audiences, brands are not only betraying their ethical responsibilities, they are also missing significant growth and innovation opportunities
What’s next? It’s time for brands to do more than just talk. They actually need to make things fairer. This means hiring people from diverse backgrounds, supporting minority-run small businesses, and making sure everyone’s voices are heard loud and clear.
There is some good news, though. Brands are starting to get creative. Some of the most groundbreaking work is happening right here in London. From selling directly to customers to creating amazing events, they’re finding new ways to truly connect with people. That’s what it’s all about, building a world where everyone is included.
Looking ahead, one thing is certain: it is time for change. It’s a change where you don’t talk about diversity and inclusion unless you really mean it. If you really want to make a change, be that change.
İbrahim Kamara is the CEO and co-founder of GUAP magazine