Fightin’ Words in Advertising – Do We Have a Martial Language Problem? 

Posted on April 22, 2024

When I went to graduate school to study advertising, one of my good friends was in the Air Force. She spoke the same...... read more

A header image with copy that reads, "2024 Inclusive trends"

Inclusive Trends for 2024 

Posted on March 18, 2024

When we look for trends to watch in any given year, it helps to think of them in the context of mega-trends –...... read more

Skin Deep: The Historical Roots and Modern Manifestations of Colorism

Posted on February 5, 2024

Colorism is a form of discrimination or bias based on a preference for lighter skin tones over darker ones. Notably, it isn’t just imposed by people of other ethnic or racial backgrounds; it involves the systemic preferential treatment of same-race people based on how light their skin is. ... read more

The War on the War on Christmas – Or Something Like That

Posted on December 20, 2023

The point is, arguing over the “right” way to celebrate the holiday season is as old a holiday tradition as any other Americans have. But it says something that the same folks who wanted to ban it 400 years ago now want to dictate how everybody celebrates it. We say, don’t let them get Christmas to themselves. It’s as OK for brands to say “Merry Christmas”, “Feliz Navidad”, or any derivation thereof as it is to say “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings”... read more

What AI Barbiecore Says About Bias – and Us 

Posted on November 13, 2023

What does all this mean for inclusivity in commercial communication? Opportunity. By understanding the full scope of group biases, we can paint particular and precise bulls-eyes on those biases in both internal and external branding... read more