How woke is AMC?

Introduction

AMC Theatres, a giant in the entertainment industry, isn’t just about blockbuster hits and buttery popcorn. Recently, they’ve been in the spotlight for their corporate policies. In this review, we’ll explore AMC’s stance on progressive causes, DEI policies, mandatory training sessions, LGBTQ+ initiatives, marketing strategies, and their impact on traditional values.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

There’s limited concrete information about AMC’s financial contributions to progressive causes. The company has a Political Action Committee registered with the Federal Election Commission, with 35.04% to Democrats, 64.96% to Republicans, according to OpenSecrets, but further details are unclear.

AMC’s main financial activities appear to focus on debt management and capital raising. Without more specific data, it’s difficult to make definitive claims about the company’s support for progressive causes.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

AMC takes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) seriously. They’ve rolled out initiatives like the Inclusive Production Workshop, which brings DEI concepts to their production teams​​.

As stated on their website, “Through our Inclusive Production Workshop series for production cast and crew, we meet the specific DEI needs of the production ecosystem at key inflection points: creative development, below-the-line hiring, and the start of production.”

They also formed a DEI Advisory Group to encourage diverse perspectives in the workplace​​, plus DEI councils of the largest diverse communities in their workforce.

Moreover, they proudly report their workforce diversity in their website: “We work to increase our pipeline of underrepresented talent and create pathways for development and advancement. It means we ensure equity in our pay and people practices. And it means we provide everyone with the resources they need to make a positive impact at our company and in society,” AMC states on their DEI page.

Mandatory Training Sessions

AMC offers a variety of training programs, but there’s no solid information that they require sessions on social activism. They hold online, on-the-job, and in-person sessions on several topics, including DEI concepts, but it’s unclear whether this is mandatory.

According to them: “The three-module workshop was developed to seamlessly integrate DEI concepts and practical tools into the workforce, culture, and content of our shows. In our offices, our employee-driven communities called Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) are crucial to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace environment where everyone can show up as their authentic selves.”

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

AMC is quite proactive in supporting LGBTQ+ rights. They’ve earned perfect marks on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index because of their inclusive policies​​. For example, they offer equal benefits for same-sex partners and transgender individuals and have an LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group​​. 

They also celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+-themed content on AMC+, their streaming service.  Their efforts extend beyond their employees, with at least five distinct LGBTQ+ outreach initiatives aimed at the broader community​​.

In 2020, it voiced its solidarity with the LGBTQ youth against bullying on social media. The statement reads: “Today we stand with LGBTQ youth against bullying. Wear purple to show your support. #SpiritDay @GLAAD!”

Moreover, after facing backlash from LGBTQ+ activists, AMC Theatres canceled planned screenings of “No Way Back,” an anti-transgender documentary.

Marketing and Branding

AMC’s been playing up the socially conscious angle in their marketing lately. Their branding leans hard into diversity and inclusion – they’re always talking about hiring all sorts of people and working with a mix of businesses.

They state on their website: “At AMC, diversity goes far beyond the common definition. We employ people of many different backgrounds, generations, traditions and philosophies in our workforce, and actively seek vendors, partners and service providers who can enhance our commitment to a diverse AMC family.”

Conclusion

AMC Theatres is leaning towards the woke side with its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as seen in initiatives like their Inclusive Production Workshop and DEI Advisory Group. Their perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and proactive support for LGBTQ+ rights, including equal benefits for same-sex partners and celebrating Pride Month on AMC+, underscore their progressive stance. For those wary of corporate wokeness, AMC’s extensive and visible efforts in promoting progressive values and inclusivity clearly place them in the woke category.