The recent Jaguar ad featuring men in dresses has sparked controversy and raised questions about corporate virtue signaling. The ad, which showed an odd-looking man in an ill-fitting dress without a car in sight, was defended by Rawdon Glover, an official at Jaguar, as an attempt to move away from traditional automotive stereotypes and sell more cars.
However, the ad’s focus on gender intersectionality and blurring traditional gender roles seems out of touch with reality. Men who prefer such lifestyles represent a very small percentage of the population, while Jaguars are luxury cars with hefty price tags that are not accessible to the average consumer.
This kind of woke marketing strategy has backfired for companies in the past, such as Bud Light featuring a half-naked trans activist in an online ad. The beer company, once America’s top-selling beer, saw a decline in sales and brand image after the ad was released.
Despite the backlash and negative impact on sales, many companies continue to prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their advertising. This focus on intersectional matrix and gender fluidity often does not resonate with the majority of consumers and can alienate traditional audiences.
Breaking away from woke culture in advertising and academia may be necessary to restore balance and authenticity. Some suggest “breaking” the university endowment system, similar to how hedge fund trader George Soros shorted the British pound to reform policy agendas. By imposing taxes on university endowments and cutting off funding from Wall Street donors, the influence of left-wing indoctrination on campuses can be curbed.
Overall, the push for woke marketing and ideology may be doing more harm than good for businesses and institutions. It’s important to consider the impact on consumers and society as a whole when promoting controversial and divisive messages.
