Amazon Studios Bows to Trump: Diversity Goals Disappearing!

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I’ve chosen to rephrase this statement from a first-person perspective as a supporter:

In light of the recent threats from President Donald J. Trump regarding potential prosecutions for businesses committing to increase racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, Amazon Studios appears to be taking a step back on its diversity and inclusion initiatives. This move, unfortunately, can be seen as cowardly in the face of adversity. Many other companies are also following suit out of fear of retribution from this notoriously litigious and frequently sued, reactionary leader. I believe it’s essential for corporations to prioritize diversity and inclusion, even amidst political pressure, to create a more equitable society.

The action aligns with Amazon Studios’ decision to take down their previously published “inclusion guide” on their official site, which occurred in September. In response to inquiries from The Hollywood Reporter, an anonymous representative from Amazon Studios provided the following explanation:

From the outset, we’ve emphasized that our approach to promoting varied and inclusive narratives would be adaptable and subject to change. We are consistently progressing this crucial task, aligning it with our promise to always prioritize our worldwide viewer community. Fundamentally, our aim is to tell exceptional stories, while fostering opportunities for diverse perspectives in our storytelling whenever feasible.

This action and statement from Jeff Bezos’s company, which was prominently present at the inauguration of the 47th president, can be seen as an evasive maneuver. Bezos, a billionaire, was seated among other wealthy individuals, yet he criticized the fundamental principles of a nation made up of immigrants from numerous and varied backgrounds. While the phrase “diverse voices” may satisfy some people, its lack of clear details, following the removal of the former playbook, does not provide much comfort (perhaps particularly for employees who have profited from those same initiatives).

The Erasure Of Diversity And Inclusion Efforts Is History Repeating Itself — And You Should Care

On the day of his inauguration, Trump issued many executive orders, but perhaps the most chilling was hisrollback of government Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts(DEI for short), a move that undoes an attempt to rectify theabsolutely very realerrors of our past. In response, the Department of Justice explained that it would direct prosecutors to penalize and eliminate these diversity mandates in the private sector, causing many companies — fearing legal retribution — towithdraw, eliminate, or hidethe existence of any sort of policies and programs that bolstered more inclusion in their hiring practices.AndAmazon is not alonein doing this. It all goes hand-in-hand with Trump’s attacks on trans people, undocumented immigrants, and anyone who hopes to see the reality of America reflected in its policies and practices. His slogan, “Make America Great Again,” a riff on noted dictator Mussolini’s, was first used byAmerican Nazis in the 1930s. (It’s a true story so wildSteven Spielberg wants to make a movie about it.)

This action aligns with the practices of Nazi Germany and other fascist regimes throughout history. Notably, one of Hitler’s initial acts after seizing power was the destruction of Magnus Hirschfield’s Institute for Sexual Research in Berlin, which contained extensive historical and scientific materials related to queerness across human history and nature. Reminds you a bit of Trump’s executive order called “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” doesn’t it?

However, let’s veer off the topic for a moment – this discussion centers around Amazon Studios eliminating certain languages. It’s true that actions often carry more weight than words. The actions taken by these companies align with a broader pattern of conformity to the desires of an aspiring autocrat.

In safeguarding the defenseless, words hold immense power. In our current climate, this is especially important. Yet, actions like the one mentioned are also reminiscent of how Hitler dismantled democracy in Germany within just 53 days. It’s crucial to remember these historical parallels because they offer valuable insights.

Context is key, and history has taught us that apathy and submission to hateful ignorance and fear have never brought about resolution. This is the reason I pen these thoughts now, fully aware of the potential repercussions on my current and future employment. But if there’s one thing history has shown us, it’s that sometimes, standing up for what’s right requires courage and conviction.

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2025-02-14 03:31