The Epoch Times’ Kevin Stocklin discusses his latest report, as well as his new documentary The Shadow State.
As more and more corporations sign on to the progressive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, many of their customers are getting turned off.
Per a report from The Epoch Times investigative reporter Kevin Stocklin, a new poll indicates that, out of 1,000 likely voters polled by the Trafalgar Group and Convention of States Action (COSA), nearly 80 percent noted that they would rather buy products from a company that is politically neutral, and doesn’t deal with any “woke” ideals. Surprisingly, the poll showed that Democrats (76.9 percent) and Republicans (78.8 percent) seemed to be equal on this measure.
Some cautionary tales for CEOs wanting to go “woke” include Disney, which decided to fight a Florida parents’ rights law that banned the teaching of sexual topics in kindergarten through 3rd grade, to introduce sexual topics into kids’ films like Lightyear and Strange World, only for them to come back with disappointing box office, and most recently to introduce CRT ideology into its kids’ show The Proud Family. This has resulted in disappointed subscriptions to the Disney+ channel, reduced profitability, customer and employee protests, and a battered stock price, as well as the loss of its control of the Reedy Creek property in Florida. Coca Cola, M&M’s and other companies have also tried to go for a “woke” approach, only to see negative feedback from customers.
Mark Meckler, president of COSA, made note of the findings. “This is a blowback that’s coming. It’s coming big time against all this ‘woke’ politics in business. It’s not even that folks want their companies to reflect their politics; they want their companies, the people they buy from, to just ignore politics.” A recent report by management consultancy KPMG found that 50% of CEOs polled said they were rethinking their ESG plans or putting them on hold.
Stocklin, who also directed the new documentary The Shadow State (now available for viewing on Epoch TV) joins us now to discuss this further.
Q&A:
- Why would companies go “woke”? Are they simply trying a strategy that will appeal to a bigger audience or are they alienating customers? Is it good for consumers, employees or shareholders? How do ESG ratings factor in?
- Is it easy to understand why some people may be tired of “woke” tactics in these products and just want everything to go back to how it was? But aren’t these worthy goals that we should be willing to sacrifice for? What good is the ESG movement actually doing for the environment, racial equity, etc?
- Has Disney changed course after the firing of Bob Chapek and the reinstatement of Bob Iger as CEO? Some shareholders have charged Disney’s management with “wasting of corporate assets” – what does that mean?
- Are we seeing the United States get divided up between red and blue companies? Many red states are now boycotting woke banks and asset managers while blue states are insisting that their pension funds and asset managers they hire pursue an ESG agenda.
- You’ve produced a new documentary called The Shadow State, which takes a closer look at the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) industry. Tell us more about why people should check it out, and what kind of issues are brought up when it comes to the future of their business.
- Where can people view The Shadow State? We understand there’s also a DVD release coming soon as well.
The Shadow State is available right now on Epoch TV. Those interested in pre-ordering the DVD for release can do so here.
About Kevin Stocklin:
Kevin Stocklin is a writer, film producer, and former investment banker. He wrote and produced We All Fall Down: The American Mortgage Crisis, a 2008 documentary on the collapse of the U.S. mortgage finance system.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
