The hypocrisy of multiculturalism in media

With the current anti-DEI political climate you'd be tempted to feel that voices are going to get much less diverse in media.

But a closer look reveals that the bright spots were already few and far between.

For every amazing piece of art like Cien Años de Soledad, brought to life by Netflix with respect for the cultural context (made with 100% Colombian talent as befits Garcia Marquez' novel) there are those like the Emilia Perez's of the world, made without any understanding of the cultural context or even downright disrespect for it.

For years I've seen efforts in corporate America to be seen as progressive and respectful toward minorities. But only seen as such. In several of my client's budgets 4 or 5 years ago there were all kinds of initiatives, from consulting companies supposed to teach cultural sensitivity to their employees, to people like me brought in to consult on individual projects.

But time and time again the efforts were only for show. I've lost count of how many times my recommendations were taken and then diluted for final presentation to the boss. With people on the chain afraid to be seen as too accommodating.

These things happened even as research showed that these efforts were crucial to those wanting to connect with first generation Latinos.

And those efforts were mostly abandoned by the time the political winds changed.

But if you pay attention, these things not only pay off but are necessary to avoid Oscar sized embarrassments from happening.

These things matter, regardless of finicky politics which change at a moment's notice. Look to the successes, not to the minimal efforts.

Again, these are economic recommendations, not activism ones (even if my own identity colors them). It's good business to respect cultural context.