16007: IPG Paid Publication, Performative Propaganda, Promotional Poop.

 

Adweek spotlighted sponsored content—accent on ‘con’—about DE&I in Adland from Matterkind, which is part of Kinesso, which are both in the IPG network. The white paper—accent on ‘White’—purportedly presents the latest DE&I research, which regurgitates the oldest DE&I research, which ultimately shows that Adland is rife with cultural cluelessness, unconscionable bias and systemic racism.

 

The contrived and clichéd exposition concludes by suggesting that brands fabricate a holistic marketing ecosystem promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Of course, the research-based, data-driven drivel does not include recommendations that advertisers stop partnering with places like Matterkind, Kinesso and IPG—where DE&I is delegated, diverted, deferred and denied daily.

 

In short, Matterkind/Kinesso/IPG paid to publish propagandistic poop—what’s more, the organizations will gleefully check off a box to deceptively demonstrate DE&I dedication.

 

New Research Identifies Why DEI in Advertising Requires a Holistic Approach

 

A new era for responsible marketing is here

 

The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in advertising isn’t new, but it’s never been more important than it is now. Consumers expect it, and marketers need to ensure diversity is reflected in all aspects of their advertising, not just creative.

 

Based on exclusive research, Matterkind’s “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Advertising: A Holistic Approach” explores how consumers feel about DEI in advertising, what advertisers are doing to take action, as well as how to take a holistic approach to creating diverse, equitable and inclusive campaigns that resonate.

 

Insights include:

 

• DEI commitment: More than 90% of the advertisers said that reducing bias and discrimination in marketing is a priority.

 

• Consumers expect diverse representation: 44% of people said they wouldn’t engage with a brand they felt wasn’t taking diversity and representation seriously.

 

• Room for improvement: Only 22% of people felt the advertising they had seen recently was “very representative” of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and disability.

 

It’s time to drive meaningful change in the industry.