Jose Alberto Nino

Jun 8, 2023

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In recent weeks, major businesses have faced turbulence due to boycotts and backlash against their pride-themed products and advertisements. Surprisingly, Chick-fil-A, known for its beloved chicken nuggets and openly Christian values, has found itself in the midst of controversy. The resurfacing of a hiring decision from 2021 has now put the company on the list of possible boycott-worthy companies, this time among conservatives.

Chick-fil-A, once considered a stronghold of Christian principles, has made adjustments to keep public discourse calm. Former CEO Dan Cathy faced backlash for his opposition to same-sex marriage nearly a decade ago, prompting the company to quietly stop donating to organizations that oppose same-sex unions.

Now, the recent promotion of Erick McReynolds to Vice President of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department has raised questions about the company’s direction.

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On their website, Chick-fil-A vaguely states their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), using generic corporate language to appease both the left and the right. But these principles are already standard business practices and do not necessarily require a separate department. The company’s alignment with DEI may be seen as an attempt to appease liberal consumers.

The reaction on Twitter to Chick-fil-A’s hiring news resulted in a divided opinion. While some conservatives favored a boycott, the majority were against it. Chick-fil-A has faced and withstood boycott attempts from the left in the past, and its solid business model may help weather the storm. However, other companies like Bud Light and Target have experienced significant sales dips due to controversies surrounding their marketing and product lines.

Think the timing of this is ironic? You’re not alone. June, known as Pride Month, brings forth a saturation of pride-related merchandise from various companies. Even brands like Skittles, which have used rainbows as marketing symbols for years, have joined the trend. The Los Angeles Dodgers faced criticism for their involvement with drag group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, highlighting the inconsistency and potential outrage if different religious groups were parodied in a similar manner.

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The North Face, an outdoor adventure brand, featured a drag queen named Pattie Gonia in a wilderness-themed advertisement promoting self-expression. The juxtaposition of a drag queen in a rainbow dress advocating for authenticity in nature raises eyebrows.

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