Wednesday, June 28, 2023

16301: Have A Dream To Decolonize Cannes? Dream On.

Now that 2023 Cannes International Festival of Creativity is over, it’s time to repeat routine rants.

 

Seeing all the stereotypical images of exorbitant exclusivity—elegant yachts, swanky parties, lavish events, celebrity appearances, rock star entertainment, stylishly sponsored spaces, uber haute couture, decadent cuisine, overflowing booze, etc.—underscores the self-absorbed privilege of Adland.

 

Keep in mind, annual Cannes soirees generate over $80 million in revenue. It’s a safe bet that the average White advertising agency’s award show budget waaay exceeds its diversity budget.

 

It’s also clear that White men and White women waaay outnumbered attendees of color—although Adland citizens will count the representation of White women as a DE&I victory.

 

Can’t help but think the judging process demonstrates Caucasian cronyism of the highest order. It’s not a jury of peers—it’s a jury of pals. Hey, there are parallels between a Grand Prix and a Grand Wizard.

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