Your voice matters.
Even when it is uncomfortable your voice has power.
Here I was looking at new creative campaign that was going to launch in a couple of days. The creative was launching in the midst of Black Lives Matter movement, where COVID-19 was impacting communities of color at a disproportionate rate. All this to say I felt that people of color were shouting and people were finally listening.
Unfortunately, not this creative, it was a bit tone death and the scariest part was that it was done with zero ill intention and subconsciously. Here I am with some of the most caring, kind and smart coworkers and they are pleased with a creative that I am deeply offended by. I was angry! Not at them directly but how this creative could so easily pass among a group of people. To me it was another example of how white privilege manifest itself in our society. It is quiet and often times goes undetected. Thus, the need for diverse and brave voices at the table is very needed.
The campaign was depicting various people from different walks of life in close-up shots. Images were to convey warm and strength of the individual. The images were:
- A black woman simply dressed utilizing public transportation
- A Hispanic woman in an apron working a cafeteria
- A white male in khakis, button down shirt and in a power stand with hands on his hip in a warehouse.
- A black male in a very modest vehicle in a drive-up line to receive care
- (and a few other White people images)
What did I see? People of color being shown in roles of submission, in economic disparity, in heightening stereotypes when we should be breaking them. Why were the white characters depicted in more glammed and affluent roles? Why were the people of colored portrayed as blue color workers? I had a physical reaction, I clamped up, my ears got red and I felt fire in my belly.
Should I say something? YES! But first I took a deep breath, tried my hardest to not come off rude as my goal was to create change. Even through a video web meeting I could hear a pin drop. What could everyone be thinking? A quick flash of their potential thoughts ran through my mind…
“Shit, this is going to delay the campaign”
“What! That’s not what we meant”
“Is she being overly sensitive because she is Hispanic ?”
It took a moment, the VP was cautious in her response “We will take another look”.
The very next day it was the same VP who started the marketing meeting by thanking me for speaking up, for bringing that perspective forward and for being BRAVE!
Me brave? Brave I will be!
I want to use my voice to appropriately challenge the status quo and to do it in a way that is kind and judgement free.
You too can be more BRAVE.
