At the beginning of February, social activists and influencers decided to stand against Target after the retailer decided to restructure its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy.
Target said in a statement that it is concluding its three-year DEI goals and its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) Initiatives to accelerate action in key areas, implement changes to drive growth and stay in step with the evolving external landscape.
African American community members were not receptive when they heard about this change. That was when social justice leaders resulted in a nationwide boycott and labeling Target as being “canceled.”
The term occurs when a person, organization, group of people, or company is ostracized by another group of people who try to weaken it financially and reputation-wise. Other companies making similar decisions, like Walmart and McDonald’s, in January, are also in this category.
Ernest Owens, the author of “The Case for Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us All,” said that Target was once an ally to the Black community because of its relationships with Black-owned businesses, offering them the opportunity to sell their products in its stores and other DEI-related initiatives that have recently ended.
“During the Black Lives Matter protests, there was a social and cultural shift, and then a federal push to do more DEI-type work,” Owens said. “That was a trend, but we have seen a federal shift in decentering DEI, defunding DEI, pulling away from it, and that has reverberated into corporations doing the same.”
Like with any boycott, Target will face an economic impact, so does this decision make sense in the long run?
The McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility reports that companies have overlooked Black Americans as a priority demographic. Their research proposes that they spend around $835 billion annually, about 10 percent of overall consumption.
Owens says that the Black consumer is a loyal patron of Target, paying billions in goods and services each year, and affecting the store’s bottom line will be the only way Target will listen.
“People have to understand that when a company says that they’re not going to support DEI, it can trickle down to so many other levels of safety beyond just your initiatives,” Owens said. “That says that it creates an environment that devalues the people that go to that store that benefits from DEI.”
Target was one of my favorite stores! Emailed CEO Brian Cornell advised him that I would be closing my account and would be selling my Target shares. We need courageous leaders and I advised him that he was not one at this time.
What difference does it make? Who did target actually hire? It seems they just simply pushed some LGBQT and juneteenth items on the shelf. There was little hiring actually done. Their DEI team was simply giving someone in the company extra duties. Its all nonsense.
What difference does it make? It makes a difference, even if only by example. Words matter, actions matter. When big corporations make changes is shows all the yt supremacists that they’re opinion isn’t welcome. Even if they don’t do a great job at trying to imbalance racial inequality the fact they’re trying does actually make a difference.
Amazon is cancelled too on my list. I’ve been a Prime member for over the past 6 years. $14.99 adds up to be alot over the years…I’ll be spending that at Costco.
It makes a big difference. And my target is very diverse in hiring practices
Now what you’re saying is completely ignorant because hair care products were the #1 thing Black people bought at Target, dumbass. And Black business were able to get their shampoos, oils, and other products at the store because of it. Ignorant ass
Why does someone have to be an ignorant ass because they have a different opinion than yours. Perhaps what people are saying is the #1 thing is RESPECT.
Wow..let these dumb ass folks keep listening to Trump ass..in 3 yrs and 10 months this clown 🤡 is going to be sitting home alone by himself with his DEI makeup on his dresser..clown. 🤣🤣
It makes a huge difference! As part of Target’s DEI efforts, they introduced more diverse products in their stores, which directly benefited small businesses. Many consumers appreciated this diversity, making it a key reason they chose to shop there. Not only did Target benefit, but so did countless small businesses that gained visibility and sales through these initiatives. You should look at the facts and other benefits of DEI because you are ill informed.
DEI and affirmative action are not the same thing. DEI is responsible for things like accessible parking, curb cuts, product availability, equitable pay, opportunities for minority-owned businesses to sell products, among a million other things. Which part of DEI bothers you? Are you against diversity? Do you prefer the country to be inequitable? Are you advocating for exclusion?
I went to target for hair and makeup. I loved going to a store that sold products made for me, made by people who looked like me. I can count at least 10 black owned businesses whose hairlines I buy . This afforded at least 10 black families the opportunity to build generational wealth. Without generational wealth we will never be able to compete with other races. It mattered and I will never shop there again.
That is totally incorrect, Target was a real supporter of black products on the shelves and bringing diversity to minority talent. Target was also responsible for a lot of sponsorship for major events that supports diverse communities. When you decide to toss these initiatives to the side because of Trump and forcing companies to literally get rid of these supporters and communities, it is worth the boycott. Black Americans have a over a Billion Dollars in spending power. We can show you better than we can tell you. I canceled my account immediately and will never ever return to a Target store again.
They were selling the products of minority owned businesses, and they were supportive of hiring individuals with disabilities. What difference does it make? Ask Costco. I have a feeling they can explain.
DEI is not – primarily – a hiring program. DEI is to make sure that corporate structure is diversified to foster equitable decision-making, and prevent isolation of marginalized groups based on skin color, religion, disability, etc. It is more about white people accepting and acknowledging that someone “other” is not “granted” a seat at the table – they belong without by permission or condescension of white people. And, as a sidenote, if target wanted to put all black owned products on sale at one time, as they are doing, it isn’t to promote them, but to clear them off the shelves mark my words someone like Tabitha Brown, or products from Shea Butter awill only be selling at target this time next year, unless visually sponsored or owned by a white owned company.
I am guessing that you are a white male who has never faced any racism or discrimination based on the color of your skin. Am I right?
The response of a privileged person. (I am also privileged, but I recognize it).
MI did the same. I have some items to return before closing my accounts. No more weekly trips to Target. How hard is it for them to incorporate dei without including it as a kpi for investors? They could make a permanent part of their company operative.
I too stopped shopping at Target once I learned they had bent the knee to the Orange man by canceling their
dEI commitment. My two grown daughters have also cancelled any future purchases from Target.
Thank god ! So many companies are finally admitting dei hurt their bottom lines and their biggest customer base ! Stop whining . You aren’t victims. I mean remember when you used to admit race related hiring practices were illegal ? Then you changed your mind when it favored you ! Sorry hypocrites , can’t have your chocolate cake and eat it too .
DEI has nothing to do with race based hiring. DEI aims to level the playing field so everyone has an equal opportunity, it doesn’t give anyone an advantage. It also sends a message that everyone is welcome. I know this freaks snowflake white people out if they have to actually compete glgir a job or shop with people different from themselves. By being anti-DEI you are basically saying you are pro racism, segregation and exclusion.
Whatever the original intentions, data shows that DEI has concretely resulted in racist hiring practices & worsened race relations – that data is the reason the University of Michigan (the most financially invested DEI supporting university in the US at $250 million) finally decided to cut its losses & stop throwing good money after bad.
Sadly, the data also showed that DEI increased grievances & divisions within every group excepting the top leadership.
DEI has signed its own death warrant.
Ooohh, I LOVE data! Links, or it didn’t happen. Show the pretty pictures of how DEI made things worse for marginalized groups.
Your data statements are false.The canceled DEI is a corrupt strategy from The white supremacy right.It seems the dominant white race is the one crying .All these companies have to do is add whites to DEI because your are minority 👎
DEI didn’t worsen race relations. White people continue to raise racists did that
Yah show us your sources besides one example? I bet you don’t have any. Diversity Equity and Inclusion will always strengthen institution and our country you dumb small minded yt woman.
Let us please be civil in our discourse. Please don’t put somebody down when making your point. Thank you.
The only race of people that were complaining about university entrance exams were the Asians. Now these same people are being effected by the same policies they thought was in thier best interests. It back fired, you see once you learn you have a common enemy is always good to take a back seat and unite with the Blacks, Mexicans, Indian and other so called “minority” groups. Trying to fit in with a group that secretly hates you can send a wake up call to you real quick. This country understands MONEY ONLY.
Employment lawyer here . No hate the original poster, but the statistics do not support you . DEI did not create more racial tension between black and white employees. That is misinformation. DEI merely gave Black employees an opportunity to educate US about the unfair, dishonest, and aggressive mistreatment of Black people in the workplace. Only our discomfort has increased, not the number of racist incidents in the workplace. We just have to listen now. That’s the difference – so it may seem new and unexpected to US.
Indeed it does.
Your response is spot on. Thank you for this educational post. Hopefully those in the Trump cult would take a full minute to do some actual analysis beyond simply rubberstamping a fox news headline. Doubtful, I know.
Agreed, you said it perfectly, thanks.
Your why we have problems in the US today its because of thinking like yours. If you don’t like thing here, then leave.
Actually, white women were included in DEI, and they were a main benefit. So get ready, America, the white man wins. Boycott all businesses who roll back DEI!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives support hiring the most qualified person, and not token white males.
You’re thanking God for the end of diversity, equity, and inclusion? You and the Lord might need to have a little chatty chat.
I’m going to guess you are a white man and have no experience not being given the advantage in hiring. It must be hard to be you crapping on everyone who is not a white male (or white “Christian” male). Shut up until you have any capacity for empathy.
Mike, I’m going to guess you are a white man and have no experience not being given the advantage in hiring. It must be hard to be you crapping on everyone who is not a white male (or white “Christian” male). Shut up until you have any capacity for empathy.
I’m not sure if the women understand. This wasn’t solely for POC and the LGBQ etc. DEI supported woman as well. The white male have made sure women stay in their place. The VP and his master do not hold women in high regards. I’m so confused. Women should be fighting against this. It has ALWAYS been hard to be seen as equals. Again, I’m confused. I’ve never -really- shopped at target. So no loss there.
Inclusion feels like oppression to white men. These men are the biggest cry babies because they used to be able to have everything in life. Today they have to share with the rest of us and don’t like it. Trump’s cabinet is full of white Men who are NOT qualified for the jobs they were elected to do.
AnnieWho, you are 💯 correct! Great post.
Yes! Well said.
It’s always the “less than smart” ones that have so much to say about DEI and don’t know anything about it.
What most people don’t understand is that DEI benefited white woman more than any other group.
Patty, you are 💯 correct! And they’re always making comments about the DEI incentives being about Black people, in reality Black people benefited the least from DEI.
The ones who should stop whining are you white men. You all are so afraid of the inevitable, that you WILL be the minority, but wait, you all actually already ARE. Race related hiring practices were supposed to be illegal, on paper, but you people were still doing it, and hiding it behind “unqualified”, just like you always have.
DEI didn’t prevent women or non-whites from being hired. Race related hiring was still happening, and black people know this.
If black people are so unqualified and irrelevant, why are you white men so afraid to the point where you’re going to great depths to get rid of anything that gives you competition? We see how you all can’t succeed without moving the goal posts, again, lol. Amazing how you superiors are so intimidated by the inferiors that you have to cheat your way through life, lol.
Cut the bs. You don’t see black people whining or worrying, we’re not the ones on social media crying. we, the trillion dollar consumers, just took away our dollars and business, which obviously meant something, or you people wouldn’t still be having think pieces about it a weeks later, lol.
It’s you all who are acting as if DEI benefited black people, when it actually helped white women the most. Black people aren’t crying over your roll backs, they were all only symbolic anyway they didn’t benefit us, they were put in place for visual effect, we know this because we actually lived it. Racism via housing nor job discrimination never ended in America, it’s been prevalent, and as long as you insecure white men keep cheating your way to keep power, it’ll always be.
Trust and believe, black people aren’t whining, we’re not even worried. We’re planning and building. This is restoring our unity back to the days of old of our ancestors who nearly bankrupted a white bus company and who built their own thriving communities and businesses (until you white men destroyed them that is). The trillion dollar consumers have nothing to whine about.
correction:
DEI didn’t prevent women or non-whites from NOT being hired. These practices were still going on, even with DEI in being place.
Also to note, being that women, particularly black and brown women, are the largest female workers in this country, all America is doing is cutting off it’s own nose to spite it’s own face, as it’s always done, lol.
What’s going on isn’t about race, it’s about class and economics, even for you poor and working class white men, and if you aren’t a billionaire, you don’t matter either, just like the rest of us, lol
“ and if you aren’t a billionaire, you don’t matter either, just like the rest of us”
This right here!!!!!!! The poor white folks will never understand this. Not even when their MeMaw is dying because she can’t get her medicine. They’ll STILL blame it on anyone other than rich white men. Good riddance, truly.
Freedym, you hit the 🎯, no point intended lol. Great post!
White women are the largest group of DEI recipients. Here is an article explaining this from Forbes Magazine. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelleking/2023/05/16/who-benefits-from-diversity-and-inclusion-efforts/
That must not align with your “chocolate cake” narrative. Reading empowers all who choose to do it.
Freedym, you hit the 🎯, no pont intended lol. Great post!
What a horrible person you must be to sit behind a computer and spew such rasist comments.
Let’s please be civil and not attack people when making a point.
Ate you serious? DEI, civil, and human rights isn’t just about Black Americans. It impacts so many areas of your entitled racist life. Go do some research. Your elders and persons with disabilities also are impacted by DEI. Ninny.
Phaedra, you’re 💯 correct, however majority of white people think DEI is a Black people thing!
People always find a way to show their true colors. DEI regardless of your nonchalant attitude benefited white women greatly! It wasnt just about marginalized groups. We can show them better than tell them. We will continue to NOT give these stores our money
Google “business case for DEI” at your leisure.
Bless your dark heart!
I called their customer service and told them I would no longer be using their card or shopping there unless it was to buy a product from a pic or women owned business. Also that we’re looking in moving my daughter’s bridal registry somewhere else. I had to insist for the lady answering the phone to make a case number vs just saying I’m sorry and hanging up
I called their customer service and told them I would no longer be using their card or shopping there unless it was to buy a product from a POC or women owned business. Also that we’re looking in moving my daughter’s bridal registry somewhere else. I had to insist for the lady answering the phone to make a case number vs just saying I’m sorry and hanging up
Patti, I applaud your action! The only way to help companies move forward instead of returning to the 1960s is by hitting them where it counts. I also called Target and asked that the representative, who I treated with respect and dignity, as it is not her fault that the bosses at Target made this awful decision, file a formal complaint informing them that I am taking my business to Costco until they reinstate DEI. I have and will continue to remain firm in my resolve. Unfortunately, I read that Aldi recently quietly canceled their DEI policies, so that is also the end of my shopping there or at Trader Joe’s. The loss of $ and public boycotting is the only way we will be heard.
Used to love Target and spend so much money there. Deleted the app, will never go to a target again. With the amount of alternatives out there, I certainly don’t need to shop at some overpriced proracism place
Kay, I applaud your action! The only way to help companies move forward instead of returning to the 1960s is by hitting them where it counts. I also called Target and asked that the representative, who I treated with respect and dignity, as it is not her fault that the bosses at Target made this awful decision, file a formal complaint informing them that I am taking my business to Costco until they reinstate DEI. I have and will continue to remain firm in my resolve. Unfortunately, I read that Aldi recently quietly canceled their DEI policies, so that is also the end of my shopping there or at Trader Joe’s. The loss of $ and public boycotting is the only way we will be heard.
Trump 2025 !!!
Brittany, if you are anything but a white male, it is clear you do not understand DEI in the least. White men have always had the advantage in getting hires (especially white “Christian” men). Do you even know what DEI means? More importantly, DEI is a means of ensuring that people who are not white males get an equal shot at getting hired for a job when they have equal (if not higher) skills and education that is needed for a position. What in the heck is wrong with you that you want to rid America or a program that levels the playing field for yourself? Wow! I hope the removal of DEI means that you don’t get hired for a better job opportunity in the future so that maybe you will wake TF up. MY GOD!
Trump should have been in jail and not running the country to the ground.
You will probably suffer the most and don’t even realize it. Good luck
You will probably suffer the most and don’t even realize it. Good luck though
Trump sold your country to an illegal immigrant in order to stay out of prison. An illegal immigrant who thinks that you American whites are dumb as a box of rocks, lol. The funniest part is, whites think they’re exempt for what’s coming, lol.
Yeah, Trump 2025!!! Mark this year as the year that America was sold to the highest bidder.
Finally, I can shop at Target again. I love, love me some Target!!
You never stopped shopping there, Klansman, lol
Who really cares? DEI just like affirmative action benefited Caucasian women more than anyone. Target and all the rest will see, you can’t hurt the “chosen ones” without hurting themselves.
Black people have been going through this, we’re built for it. No need to change their minds later down the line either, because our dollars are still won’t be coming back. Thank you America for bringing Black people back to the unity our ancestors used to have and forcing us to build more for ourselves, we’ve been waiting on this moment.
This time, don’t get upset and destroy our towns and businesses, like you did before to get access to our dollars again, and we’ll be just fine without you.
All I know is that I haven’t walked into a target since. Do I think they did much with their DEI measures. Probably not, but I am tired of blackness and gayness being a trend that can be thrown away soon as a few racists get mad. Either you are wit us or you aren’t. I plan to divest from as much corporate big box companies as possible. Hopefully all Eventually. They are the reason I can’t go to my local community stores anymore. Bring back mom and pop
Let’s go!! Make them pay. We the people!
If Target, Walmart/Sam’s, & Amazon are not options where do you shop for everyday household items? Especially is Costco sizes are too much for your home.
What’s the difference between Bud Lite and Target?
Why is the US prioritizing ‘resettlement’ of white South Africans over ‘discrimination’ and and end ‘birthright citizenship’?
Why do I feel it’s necessary to carry a firearm?
So you know, Black people benefited least of all groups included under DEI.
I used to think of Target as the better place to shop. I am furious that they caved to the completely fabricated narrative about DEI. Where are you all shopping now? I want to make conscientious choices that are still affordable.
I will keep shopping at target. If you all won’t shop there better for me less crowds!
I too will stop shopping at Target, one of my favorites. and WalMart as well. Do people who have such non-caring comments really know what DEI means and not the misrepresentation of our current national administration.
Let go and let GOD. We are all created equal in HIS eyes. Too bad we can’t see the enemies agenda in trying to create different initiatives that only creates more division. In the end, it is the character and the actions of a person that will be judged. Stop shopping, don’t stop shopping…stay focused on GOD and this too shall pass.
not everyone believes in god, one god, or a god michelle.