How woke is Procter & Gamble?

Introduction

You’re about to get your answer if you’ve wondered whether Procter & Gamble (P&G) is another woke brand. This multinational giant has made quite the name for itself in the woke world, proudly embracing everything from progressive political contributions to diversity-driven policies and LGBTQ+ initiatives. But is all this activism genuine, or is P&G just playing the game to look good? Let’s break it down, shall we?

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

P&G has contributed over $1 million to federal candidates, parties, and outside groups during the 2020 election cycle. And, surprise, surprise; they heavily leaned toward Democratic candidates and progressive initiatives.

Then there’s the American Democracy Scorecard, which praises P&G for “supporting democratic principles and advancing political equality.” 

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Now, let’s discuss P&G’s obsession with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They’ve pledged to increase their spending on diverse-owned businesses. CEO David Taylor confirmed this: “By committing to spending with diverse-owned businesses, we aim to ensure equality and representation across our supply chain.”

Their 2022 Citizenship Report further highlights their love affair with DEI. They have implemented comprehensive DEI training across their workforce to foster a more inclusive environment. Their goal is to reflect the diversity of consumers in everything they do.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Let’s be real here: when a company’s this woke, you know there are bound to be mandatory training sessions about “unconscious bias” and “critical race theory.” While P&G didn’t openly advertise the details of their training programs, their DEI Initiatives show their head is in the game.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

P&G has partnered with GLAAD to ensure that its marketing and media content is “accurate and inclusive” for the LGBTQ+ community. P&G said, “Our collaboration with GLAAD is about more than just representation; it’s about fostering understanding and ensuring that all identities are respected and celebrated.” 

And if you thought that was the end, think again. They didn’t just celebrate Pride Month; they took it up a notch with their annual “Can’t Cancel Pride” event in 2024. P&G proudly announced that they recognize the importance of creating spaces that celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and offer a platform for diverse voices in the community.

Marketing and Branding

Their 2020 campaign, “The Choice,“ went full throttle, urging everyone to “be anti-racist.” The company stands out for taking a non-promotional approach that builds on previous efforts to address racial inequality, which have also courted controversy but have become standout examples of purposeful marketing. The campaign was designed to inspire individuals to confront and address systemic racism daily. 

Let’s not forget their collaboration with GLAAD, which aimed to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community was accurately and respectfully portrayed in all advertising efforts.

Conclusion

P&G has made its stance loud and clear. But here’s the real question: Are they genuinely committed to these causes, or is this just a clever marketing strategy to stay relevant in a world obsessed with woke culture? Either way, P&G has chosen its path, and it’s up to consumers like us to decide if we want to walk alongside them or find a different trail.