Mad Men lead character Don Draper once said, “If you don’t like what is being said, then change the conversation.”
Wannabe Mad Men and Mad Women of the present era continue to apply and execute the concept for diversity. That is, the dominating majority—White men and White women—keep cunningly changing the DE&I conversation, switching the focus in other directions to ultimately avoid addressing the nettlesome true issue.
The COVID-19 pandemic and current events have served as perfect covers, providing a variety of diversionary opportunities. What receives more attention than racial and ethnic diversity in Adland? Here’s a review of the latest people, places and things—which are being dubbed COVERT-19:
1. White women This clan still commands the lioness’ share of DE&I discussions—despite the inability of White women to even hold long-term interest in their own cause.
2. White LGBTQIA+ White people show faux pride in supporting this group over racial and ethnic minorities.
3. White old people Old White Guys and Gals rule—and rant like immature adolescents.
4. White people with physical disabilities Accessibility trumps inclusivity.
5. White people representing neurodiversity Um, never mind.
6. White addicts Expect Advertising Anonymous meetings soon.
7. Mental health The way this has moved ahead of racial and ethnic diversity is… depressing.
8. Sustainability Better to hug a tree than a minority.
9. COVID-19 The scoreboard reads COVID-19, BIPOC-0.
10. COVID-19 variants Think of these as booster shots for exclusivity.
11. War in Ukraine Any chance to create scam ads inspires deceptive defenders of peace and justice.
12. Russian withdrawal Hey, it takes time to abandon Russian comrades—at least until there’s a possibility to pitch new business.
13. Remote working Need proof of systemic racism? At the next agencywide Zoom gathering, mandate that everyone turn on their video and see.
14. Return to office Return to cultural cluelessness too.
15. Chief Diversity Officers Hire or promote one to sneakily boost diversity figures—without dramatically impacting the historical diversity deficit.
16. The Great Resignation The wave of resigning Whites presents a perfect time to bring in non-White replacements without accusations of reverse racism. But don’t bet on anyone exploiting the moment.
17. Psychological safety Wow, now White people don’t feel comfortable being around White people.
18. Metaverse Familiar with the 3D virtual worlds? Doesn’t matter—it generates more interest than real, live people of color.
19. NFTs Oddly enough, Non-Fungible Tokens are awarded greater respect than, well, regular tokens.
The conversation-changing phenomenon deserves a new label. For now, go with COVERT-19—or Divershitty.
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