Bottom Line: Profits. Lack of diversity and cultural awareness impacts your bottom line.
February is Black History Month. It is a month specially designated to celebrate African American history, African American culture, and maybe most importantly, African American impact.
In this month, couture designers Gucci and Burberry released quite possibly the most repugnant designs: a blackface sweater and a sweatshirt hoodie with a noose for drawstrings. In this time of high racial tensions and raising suicide awareness, these designs evoked visceral reactions to blackface, racial lynchings, and suicide. Both designs and designers have been publicly condemned on social media for their lack of cultural and social sensitivity.
Gucci and Burberry just alienated a large portion of their buyers. They probably also alienated their employees. Gucci President, Marco Bizzari, has since flown out to Harlem, NY to meet with African American designer, Dapper Dan, and other community and industry leaders. Gucci has announced its new initiative to increase cultural diversity and awareness. Burberry has also issued an apology regarding the sweatshirt’s noose.
While Gucci is taking steps to address the issue, the bigger questions are: How can such big companies get this wrong? Who are the decision-makers? What is the composition of the company? To what degree are diversity, culture, and inclusion important for a brand and its success. Can companies survive backlash for lack of diversity and inclusion?
Bottom line: Profits. Develop a diversity and inclusion strategy from inception. Implement the strategy before your mistakes impact your bottom line.
Contact the D. Sharmin Arefin for Diversity and Inclusion development and training.
