How woke is General Dynamics?

Introduction

General Dynamics, a giant in the aerospace and defense world, is deeply intertwined with national security. But beyond its core operations, there’s another story to uncover—a company navigating the ever-growing trend of corporate wokeness. 

From funding progressive causes to championing social justice in its policies, General Dynamics prioritizes aligning with modern ideological trends over maintaining neutrality. Let’s explore how this defense powerhouse positions itself and whether its choices reflect the values of all its stakeholders—or just a select few.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Money talks, and at General Dynamics, it’s speaking loudly in favor of progressive causes. OpenSecrets said the company poured over $1.5 million into political campaigns in 2022. A notable chunk of that funding supported candidates and organizations advocating social justice and climate change policies. 

This is a company that, according to its responsibility page, strives to “empower underrepresented groups and address systemic inequalities.” These financial choices paint a clear picture: General Dynamics is putting its weight behind modern progressive politics.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a checkbox for General Dynamics; it’s a central pillar. On its DEI page, the company proudly states its commitment to “fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.” That sounds nice, but here’s the catch: critics argue that prioritizing identity over merit can lead to hiring practices that undermine qualifications in favor of optics. 

The company’s careers page highlights its focus on empowering marginalized communities. While well-intentioned, this approach raises concerns about whether it truly serves the business’s best interests or just its image.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Based on available information, no specific evidence exists that General Dynamics mandates training sessions on social activism topics such as unconscious bias or critical race theory. The existence, nature, and extent of such training within the company are unknown.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

The company frequently highlights its efforts on social media, with the Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) leading the charge. A LinkedIn post from the group emphasized their role in fostering “an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees.” 

The company doubled on Instagram, proclaiming, “We are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ employees and communities.” While inclusivity is admirable, it raises questions: does this type of public advocacy serve all employees, or does it risk alienating those with differing perspectives?

Marketing and Branding

Think again if you thought General Dynamics’ branding was about innovation and defense. The company’s marketing leans heavily on themes of inclusivity and social equity. Ambassify’s approach reflects a “dedication to sustainability and social equity.” 

Their responsibility page adds, “Through strategic marketing, we aim to amplify diverse voices and support community-driven change.” This move risks sidelining customers and stakeholders who expect their defense contractor to focus on defense—not ideological signaling.

Conclusion

General Dynamics is a case study of how corporations can become entangled in modern ideological battles. Its financial contributions, DEI policies, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and progressive branding align with the woke agenda. 

While these efforts may resonate with some stakeholders, they raise valid concerns about ideological neutrality and merit-based excellence. General Dynamics’ trajectory might be a step in the wrong direction for those who value traditional values.