(a bit tangential to your point, but I think related:) "...that leads to what I call the Iron Law of Woke Capitalism: brands will gravitate towards low-cost, high-noise signals if these are accepted as a substitute for genuine reform."[0]
Companies engage in these practices (IMHO) from a mix of genuine desire to "be good" and do the right thing, as a marketing exercise, and as PR insurance against charges of racism. If you get "called out" on twitter for being a racist company (for whatever reason) you will probably fare much better if you can point to your diversity initiatives & goals, diversity officer etc.
That said I think most individuals are acting in a genuine well-meaning way.
It is disturbing to me that (as you point out) the initiatives we have to promote inclusion may end up stigmatizing the people that are intended to be "included."
Companies engage in these practices (IMHO) from a mix of genuine desire to "be good" and do the right thing, as a marketing exercise, and as PR insurance against charges of racism. If you get "called out" on twitter for being a racist company (for whatever reason) you will probably fare much better if you can point to your diversity initiatives & goals, diversity officer etc.
That said I think most individuals are acting in a genuine well-meaning way.
It is disturbing to me that (as you point out) the initiatives we have to promote inclusion may end up stigmatizing the people that are intended to be "included."
0: https://helenlewis.substack.com/p/the-bluestocking-woke-capi...