Disney’s Activist Strategy Backfires
Disney recently admitted that its activist strategy has had a negative impact on its financial situation. In its SEC filing, the company acknowledged the risks of misalignment with public and consumer tastes and preferences, as well as the potential damage to its reputation and brands. Disney’s stock price has plummeted by over 50% since early 2021, while the overall market has seen a 10% increase. Additionally, their recent woke movies have reportedly lost a combined $1 billion.
MLB’s Course Correction
Major League Baseball recently announced that the 2025 All-Star Game will be held in Atlanta, marking a significant course correction after the controversial decision to pull the 2021 game from the city. The decision to return to Atlanta indicates a tacit admission that MLB erred in 2021 by mischaracterizing Georgia’s election laws as racist. This victory showcases the pushback against woke activism.
Blackrock Pulls Back from ESG Agenda
Financial giant Blackrock has announced that it is pulling back from its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda due to backlash. This move comes after a Wall Street Journal analysis revealed a significant decline in ESG mentions on company earnings calls over the past year. Vanguard has also withdrawn from the global climate finance alliance, indicating a shift away from woke capitalism.
ESG and DEI On the Decline
ESG and its fraternal twin, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), are also on the decline. Companies are shedding their chief diversity officers, and diversity officer demand is at a 30-year low. The Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling has further accelerated this trend.
NHL Bans Activist Jerseys
The National Hockey League has announced a ban on players wearing activist jerseys on the ice this season. This move reflects the broader pushback against mixing politics with sports.
The Victory Over Woke Capitalism
Companies and CEOs have realized the dangers of taking woke stances that alienate a significant portion of their customer base. The transgender craze has subsided, and the pushback against woke capitalism can serve as a blueprint for winning on other vital issues facing the country.
Punishing Disney’s Agenda Programming
Consumers can continue to hold Disney accountable for its activist programming by choosing to stay home and watch classic Christmas movies instead of supporting their new release, “The Naughty Nine,” which sexualizes kids and promotes activist messages.
The victories against woke capitalism demonstrate that with the right arguments, coalition, and effective communication, conservatives and moderates can successfully tackle other important issues facing the country.