How woke is General Motors?

Introduction

General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and with employees worldwide, is an American multinational automotive manufacturing company with global scale and capabilities. Known for its cars and trucks, GM is now making headlines for its progressive agenda, financial contributions to social justice causes, and significant push for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies. 

But is GM going off-road from its core mission, or is this part of a bigger plan to shift gears? Let’s dig in and see how deep this woke rabbit hole goes.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

GM’s wallet is wide open when it comes to funding progressive causes. According to their Social Impact Report, GM pledged $10 million to support organizations focused on “inclusion and racial justice,” with an initial $1 million funneled directly to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. 

The American Democracy Scorecard also highlighted GM’s financial support of political candidates and organizations that promote progressive agendas, clarifying its financial stance. 

Prioritization of DEI Policies

GM has clarified that diversity and inclusion are the company’s driving forces. As the Michigan Chronicle points out, GM partners with organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists to ensure that its DEI commitments are met. GM ensures that “diversity is a fundamental part of the company culture.”

GM’s DEI statement suggests that bringing diverse perspectives and experiences together drives the best outcomes for its employees, customers, and communities.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Now, you’d expect a company as woke as GM to be all about those mandatory training sessions on topics like unconscious bias or critical race theory, right? Surprisingly, we couldn’t find any hard evidence on whether GM is enforcing these sessions for their employees.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Through Chevrolet, GM partnered with LGBTQ Nation to launch the “Authentic Voices of Pride” campaign, and they were there to amplify LGBTQ+ stories and experiences. LGBTQ Nation states, “Chevrolet’s involvement in the campaign demonstrates GM’s dedication to amplifying LGBTQ+ narratives and promoting greater acceptance within the community.”

GM Financial has its own Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG), which gives LGBTQ+ employees a voice, platform, and community to thrive. The group makes sure these employees are seen, heard, and valued.

General Motors has also been recognized for its unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Marketing and Branding

Take Chevrolet’s involvement in the “Authentic Voices of Pride” campaign as an instance. Their involvement in the campaign reflects GM’s strategy of integrating LGBTQ+ inclusivity into its marketing efforts, helping to normalize conversations around LGBTQ+ issues in mainstream media.

But it’s not just LGBTQ+ issues that GM’s pushing. They’re all about sustainability, too, with a major pivot toward electric vehicles (EVs). As The Brand Hopper mentions, “General Motors’ marketing mix has evolved to incorporate sustainable practices and to position itself as a leader in electric vehicles, aligning with its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.”

Conclusion

GM is revving up the woke engine and speeding into the land of progressive ideals. From massive donations to social justice causes to a relentless push for DEI and LGBTQ+ representation, they’ve clarified which side of the cultural highway they’re driving on. But while they might be the toast of the woke elite, GM’s journey down this path raises plenty of questions about where they’re heading and who they might leave behind.