Caitlyn Jenner, a Fox News contributor, raises concerns over the involvement of brands like Bud Light and Target in the culture wars. Jenner believes that these brands have caused damage to their reputation by getting involved in controversial marketing campaigns.
Jenner’s Perspective:
As a well-known figure, Jenner argues that the public is generally accepting of the LGBTQ community. However, she suggests that brands should not impose their inclusive messaging on the public forcefully, as it can create resentment. Jenner advises businesses to stay true to their target audience and market accordingly, saying, “You’re alienating a lot of the marketplace out there… stay in your lane. Know who you’re marketing to, and market to those people.”
Controversies Surrounding Brands:
Bud Light’s partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, as well as Target’s Pride displays featuring “tuck-friendly” swimsuits for women, sparked backlash from conservatives. Moreover, when Target scaled back its displays before Pride Month, it faced criticism from some within the LGBTQ community.
Jenner’s Guidance for Businesses:
Jenner emphasizes the importance of understanding the marketplace before implementing marketing strategies. In the case of Bud Light, Jenner believes that they did not consider their customer base properly. She advises brands to stick to more traditional marketing tactics and warns against the consequences of going “woke” by stating, “As people say, go woke, go broke.”
Personal Beliefs and Political Stance:
Jenner, who came out as a transgender woman in 2015, has been a significant figure in the LGBTQ community. She firmly believes in the authenticity of being transgender or experiencing gender dysphoria. However, Jenner sides with conservative critics when it comes to gender treatment for minors, arguing that it is wrong to push these ideas on children. She advocates for letting kids be kids and not interfering with their natural development.
Jenner’s Journey and Future Outlook:
Despite facing more backlash for her Republican beliefs than for coming out as transgender, Jenner has no regrets. She speaks about the freedom she feels from living authentically, stating, “I wake up in the morning, and I just be myself all day long… And this is who I am, and I respect other people’s feelings.” Jenner concludes by expressing how her life has become easier since she no longer has to hide her true self.
A Cautionary Tale for Brands: Caitlyn Jenner’s Warning Against “Woke” Marketing