INTRODUCING: OBERLAND’S ANTI-ANTI DEI CLUB

This past weekend I shared a 2023 CNN interview where Bryan Cranston said the MAGA slogan of Make America Great Again could be perceived as racist because it didn’t take into account the lived experiences of certain Americans. Specifically, he provoked the audience to think “When was the African-American experience ever GREAT in America?”

From my progressive stance, this post felt centrist to me, so I felt it was safe enough to post without having to duck after sharing. I received celebratory reactions from the majority of my network and one negative comment from a local white business owner in upstate New York who I know personally. Here’s his response:

Of course, my snarky response wasn’t going to make any progress towards reaching alignment on this topic. But it got me thinking. If privilege is invisible to those who have it, how can we have a real conversation about racial inequities? As individuals, as leaders and as brands? How do we bring change if we fear the opposition? How do we break out of this cycle to not make inclusion feel like an attack? 

And let’s be honest, that is exactly what the acronym DEI has become—an attack on meritocracy. But how much of this mindset is based on fear vs values? 

We decided to gather data on the topic and asked 260 Americans across the country more about it. It turns out the majority of Americans support DEI programs:

70% say diversity, equity and inclusion is good for business

65% say DEI programs are important to them as an employee 

69% feel positively about businesses that remain committed to DEI programs

If the majority of Americans support DEI programs, we need to focus on HOW we talk about it and encourage people and brands to find their voice. Ibram X Kendi taught many Americans in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder that it’s not enough to not be racist, we have to be anti-racist. How can brands and leaders come together to support the broader attack on diversity, equity and inclusion at this critical time in our nation? 

In our Anti-Anti DEI series, we will explore the perspectives of different experiences and expertise of some of our founding club members to help us all find our voices to speak out in solidarity as brands and leaders. 

In the meantime, to brands and leaders who are continuing their commitment to DEI, we encourage you to… 

• Join the Change the Board Game movement promoting board diversity with our partners at e.l.f. Beauty by visiting elfbeauty.com/changing-the-board-game
• Get in touch with our partners at PolicyLink who are “working to build a future where all people in the United States of America can participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities.​” 
• Chat with us all week at the Cannes Festival of Creativity where we’ll be at panels like “The DEI Challenge—Put Your Ideas to the Test” panel & the LIONS Sustainability Hub

Or just reach out to us at hello@thisisoberland.com for a 30 minute call where we discuss how we help brands MAKE GOOD MONEY.