I’ve noticed some significant transformations in Disney‘s approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lately. They appear to be shedding contentious policies and expressions that stirred controversy in the past. For instance, the Stories Matter platform seems to have disappeared, as has Reimagine Tomorrow. Moreover, it looks like their executive performance metrics are now taking a different shape.
However, these changes might give the impression of a step back from the more progressive DEI policies that Disney has been dealing with recently. But upon closer examination, the situation seems more nuanced.
It seems more likely that this isn’t an actual change of direction, but rather a strategic move to camouflage Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. The main objectives might still remain hidden beneath a new branding approach.
DEI Disappears From View, But Not From Disney
As a devoted admirer, I’ve learned that I recently got my hands on an internal communique penned by Disney’s Chief People Officer, Sonia Coleman, detailing significant shifts in the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) blueprint.
Among the biggest shifts:
DEI-Based Executive Bonuses Are Gone… Sort Of
Earlier, Disney determined executive bonuses based on factors other than performance, such as the “Diversity & Inclusion” aspect. Now, they’ve changed this to something called “Talent Strategy.
Although Disney appears to be moving towards a different approach than identity-based hiring, they acknowledge that the revised aspect retains elements similar to their previous Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) system. Essentially, they’ve given it a new name but may not have fundamentally altered its core components.
Content Disclaimers Toned Down
In the period of focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), one of Disney’s more contentious decisions involved placing warnings before timeless films such as “Dumbo” and “Peter Pan.” These warnings indicated that the movies contained portrayals or mistreatment of people or cultures that could be considered negative.
The auto-play disclaimers about potential stereotypes or negative depictions in the programs have been shifted to the details section, using softer language: “This content is presented as originally produced.” This change enables Disney to continue upholding its corporate values discreetly without disturbing viewers who are primarily interested in enjoying their movie experience.
Reimagine Tomorrow Disappears from Public View
Disney has formally withdrawn its Reimagine Tomorrow project, an undertaking that aimed to ensure 50% of their regular and recurring characters in media were from underrepresented communities. The original webpage for this initiative has now been removed, replaced with a standard corporate platform instead.
Although this change is more visible to the public, it doesn’t automatically imply that the hiring targets or content requirements have been altered; rather, these may not be emphasized as much as before.
Employee Resource Groups Get a Facelift
Disney has chosen to revamp its Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) and now refers to them as ‘Employee Resource Groups for Belonging.’ The term ‘belonging’ is a commonly used phrase in corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) environments, serving to rephrase identity-centric workplace policies with more tender language. This name change doesn’t imply that these groups are being discontinued; instead, it shows Disney’s effort to make them sound less contentious.
Disney Wants to Look Neutral Without Changing Course
As a film enthusiast, I’ve always admired Disney for maintaining a neutral stance and providing family-friendly entertainment for over a century. However, recent events have significantly challenged this image, particularly when it came to butting heads with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis regarding the Parental Rights in Education bill. This political confrontation has made Disney a focal point of controversy, driving a wedge between its audience and tarnishing its brand.
After resuming his role as CEO, Bob Iger has emphasized his efforts to guide the company towards avoiding overtly political communications. At a 2023 shareholders’ meeting, he declared, “Our primary focus is to entertain, and through our entertainment, we aim to continue making a positive difference in the world. This is not about pushing an agenda; it’s about delivering quality entertainment.
In essence, while Bob Iger expresses certain actions regarding Disney’s DEI changes, his behind-the-scenes behavior seems to contradict this, suggesting more of a public image management approach rather than genuine transformation.
A True Shift or Just Hiding DEI in the Shadows?
As a follower, I’ve noticed that some might interpret these actions as a correction in direction, while others view them as clever maneuvers within the corporate world. Disney hasn’t done away with DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion), they’ve merely made it less conspicuous. The true test lies in whether the company will actually revamp its hiring practices, content creation, and executive rewards, or if it will persist in promoting the same ideological viewpoint under a new label.
At present, Disney appears to be making the appropriate statements to disassociate itself from its most contentious diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. However, until substantial structural alterations are implemented, these actions might just seem like a strategic public relations move rather than a true change of course.
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2025-02-11 23:56