From Highways to High Water: Environmental Racism Isn’t Just about Climate Change 

Posted on June 10, 2024

Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last decade, you’ve heard more and more discussion of systemic racism – that is, policies...... read more

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

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

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

How to Be More than a Logo: An Unexpected Case Study in Rising Above Rainbow-Washing 

Posted on June 30, 2023

One of the most vital ways to see how a brand truly feels about inclusivity (particularly where the LGBTQ+ community is concerned) is its response to criticism of its efforts in that direction. As of this post, Cracker Barrel hasn’t wavered in its Pride messaging or retreated from its moves towards greater inclusivity towards employees despite calls for boycotts by self-appointed guardians of moral virtue.... read more