For the advertising industry, MLK Day exposes heightened hypocrisy in 2021. After all, the past 12 months have underscored how the dream has been diverted, delegated, deferred and denied for decades. WPP—the “most diverse example of diversity of any single organisation”—reported single-digit diversity figures. The Pioneer of Diversity at Omnicom plotted an eight-part plan for “systemic equity”—a polite phrase crafted to deflect discussing the systemic racism embedded in the corporation. A pledge of $50 million to fund heat shields essentially amounts to croissant crumbs from Publicis Groupe. Despite self-promotional gobbledygook about being recognized for leadership in diversity and inclusion, IPG confessed, “We must do better”—and revealed numbers proving the place is doing no better than any other White holding company. Dentsu dodged diversity dissection by detonating dramatic downsizing, but Wendy Clark is sure to deliver deceptive drivel. As for Havas, well, never mind. Oh, and independent enterprises—e.g., The Richards Group—turned the dream into a nightmare.
How will Adland celebrate the day? With flowery declarations to diversity dedication? Patronizing presentations and wondrous workshops from Chief Diversity Officers—or announcements on the appointments of new Chief Diversity Officers? Tax-deductible donations to minority charities and causes? Advertisements featuring royalty-free clip art of MLK images?
Expect the dreamy feelings to vanish by Tuesday.
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