Diversity in Advertising - A Discussion

Diversity in advertising-- a great idea, a discussed idea, a smart idea. But why is it that this idea, this beautiful logical idea, is still a problem? Why hasn't anyone cracked the code on solving the lack of diversity in advertising?

*Disclaimer: I do not have the answer to these questions but would love to have a discussion.

There is an undeniable reality that the advertising industry is dominated by white culture. Because of this, there is an imbalance in the storytelling perspectives being shared with the masses. There are also many disingenuous accounts to trying to "make up for" the diversity issue.

Being a fellow of the #MAIP2019 class is truly an honor. I am passionate about diversity and inclusion because I am an advocate for the statement-- "ideas HAVE to come from everywhere." They MUST. MAIP has paved a way for multicultural students to make their voices heard.

The world is not made up of just caucasian people. More relevant to advertising, consumers are not made up of just caucasian people. In order to reach your audience, build an honest rapport, and get everyone to buy your product, you need to listen, understand, and celebrate all types of people. Yes, it is great to see a person of color in a commercial, but as a person of color, it is easy to see when an asian family dinner is really a white family dinner played by asian people. We need diversity behind the scenes. Writers. Art Directors. Producers. Brand Leaders. Everyone needs to have a say.

Now, the question is "how?" How do we get diverse backgrounds hired into the industry? How do we get them to stay?

I do not want this conversation to be a blame game. I want this to be an open conversation for everyone to brainstorm on how to make the beautiful logical idea of more diversity in advertising a reality. We need everyone's help because ideas must come from everywhere.

Stay tuned for my initiatives with Barkley on this conversation.