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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by McKenna Gramoll who is embarrassed (or maybe not?) to be reading Young Adult fiction again.
The cost of ageism
This week, our very own Susan McPherson was honored on Forbes’ 50 Over 50: Impact list – a curated selection of 50 women who embody change-making. In a country seemingly obsessed with youth and the 30 under 30s of the world, we’re encouraged to see a meaningful new addition that celebrates innovation and impact. Ageism, in the U.S. and around the world, is damaging, particularly when taking into account the gender-based discriminatory undertones at play among those who identify as women, and discussions around ageism often only encompass cisgender populations. For businesses, age is one thread within the complex web of diversity, equity and belonging. In fact, new data from AARP suggests that age discrimination could cost the U.S. economy nearly $4 trillion by 2050. The new figures offer a stark reminder for companies to build age-inclusive workplaces and mixed-age teams.
Nikole Hannah-Jones claims her space
This past week, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones made headlines following the announcement that she would decline a (belated) tenure offer from the University of North Carolina after her qualifications were called into question by a conservative board member. In Hannah-Jones’ own words: “I wanted to send a powerful message, or what I hope to be a powerful message, that we’re often treated like we should be lucky that these institutions let us in.” Instead, she will be joining Howard University, an HBCU located in D.C. The series of events, against the backdrop of a politically charged debate around critical race theory and how/if we teach children about systemic racism and our nation’s history of race-based violence, is a searing reminder for institutions – from schools to major employers – that just granting a seat at the table has never been and will never be enough. As Washington Post columnist Theresa Vargas reflects: “That it felt so rare shows how much work remains when it comes to turning other institutions and workplaces into spaces where differences are valued and code-switching isn’t necessary.”
The perils of “rainbow capitalism”
The end of June marks the (calendarized) conclusion of Pride Month. This year, we saw another bout of both corporate allyship and also inappropriate commercialization of LGBTQIA+ narratives, experiences, and histories. From Ikea’s viral and confusing Pride couches to a slew of rainbow-tinted logos, this year’s Pride had no shortage of lessons for companies on what authentic, meaningful, and active allyship looks like and requires of those in positions of influence and power. Perhaps my favorite reflection on the topic is Refinery29’s piece “The Best Part Of Pride Is Making Fun Of Rainbow Capitalism.” I’ve been blown away by TikTok creators’ ability to blend harsh critique of capitalism with a delightfully witty sense of humor. These memes, Twitter threads, and videos – while seemingly lighthearted – deliver a resounding message: “We know what you’re up to. We see right through you.”
ON OUR RADAR
Read:
- Nearly 40% of parents say they’ve become more politically active since 2020, according to new survey data from Berlin Cameron and partners.
- New analysis by client Leadership Now Project demonstrates how deep the influence of PAC donations runs when democracy is on the line.
- More than 200 prominent women from around the world, including actors, journalists, musicians and former government leaders, have written an open letter urging the chief executives of Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Google to prioritize the safety of women on their platforms.
- Speaking of TikTok, some Black creators are on strike following viral routines that are being co-opted by white social media influencers without credit or compensation.
- A new study revealed that renting clothes, long touted as one of the “answers” to fashion’s sustainability crisis, may actually be worse for the planet than throwing them away.
Nominate:
- Our client the Women’s Philanthropy Institute is partnering with Black Philanthropy Month to spotlight the important work and contributions of Black women philanthropists, and celebrate Black women and girls championing change from within their communities. Submit your nomination by July 21.
Buy:
Cheer:
Attend:
- Next week, Girl Up is hosting its virtual Global Leadership Summit on July 13 and 14. Don’t miss the 6th annual Partner & Investor Collective.
- On Tuesday, August 10 at 7pm ET, The Op-Ed Project will host a special live Expert Talk with Dr. Christina Greer. The 60-minute live event + Q&A will explore multi-platform thought leadership.
Watch:
- The City of Chicago’s Boards of Change campaign brought “America’s disenfranchised voices from the streets to the polls.” Plywood boards that barricaded storefronts during the Black Lives Matter protests, filled with messages of unity and justice, were turned into voting booths.
- Have you seen comedian Bo Burham’s latest Netflix special, “Inside”? Come for the weird musical humor, stay for the critical takes on capitalism, mental health, and life with the internet.
Apply:
- She's the First – an international nonprofit fighting for every girl to choose her own future – is hiring a Director of Development (U.S.-based but remote on EST).
- Netflix’s Global Policy Specialist team is seeking a director who is a seasoned expert in all aspects of policy issues relating to environmental sustainability (with a particular focus on climate & energy), and ideally a solid understanding of the entertainment and/or tech industries. Apply now.
Wilbur (McKenna's Chow mix companion) recently enjoyed his own version of a Summer Friday! Here's a dispatch from his pre-holiday groom. |
