I could not be more baffled by Target’s decision to put out a press release announcing they’re done with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—like it’s something to be proud of. The decision to end the programs is one thing, but bragging about it absolutely fucking baffles me. “Hey everyone, we’re no longer prioritizing hiring minorities or helping them grow their careers! Aren’t we progressive?” Who greenlit this nonsense? Did they think the applause was going to roll in from people who still use AOL email addresses?
If you’re looking to cut costs, fine—businesses do that all the time. But normal companies don’t shout it from the rooftops like they just invented sliced bread. Target rolled this out like a campaign ad for the “MAGA All-Stars,” and it’s baffling.
Here’s the thing: Target already alienated one half of their customers by bending against the made-up bathroom outrage. And now, they’ve managed to alienate the other half with this boneheaded move. Who’s left? The people who shop exclusively in the Dollar Spot and have never read a headline? Sure, they might be a big chunk of the population, but if your survival strategy is betting on mass apathy, good luck with that.
But wait, it gets dumber. Corporations—and let’s be real, Republicans too—seem to believe that since T***p squeaked out a win with 49% of the popular vote of 64% of the US population (essentially 1/3 of Americans), as a result they seem to think there’s this massive cultural shift happening and they now have a “mandate” to cater to the angriest, loudest right wing shoppers who, by the way, already boycott Target over nonsensical bullshit. It’s delusional. T***p didn’t win by a landslide; he won by a hair and some outdated Electoral College math. Acting like the whole country is clamoring for anti-DEI crusades is about as logical as assuming your whole list of wedding guests loves totino’s party pizza.
Historically, corporations have been a lot savvier than this. Even when their CEOs leaned hard Republican, they knew better than to go full MyPillow Guy. You didn’t see them shouting their political beliefs in a press release. They stayed quiet, donated money to their pet causes on the down-low, and kept their eye on the prize: making as much cash as possible.
Target, on the other hand, decided to step into the culture war wearing clown shoes. Some absolute buffoon in leadership thought this PR was brilliant, and I’d bet there’s a whole bunch of employees who are side-eyeing their boss so hard right now they’re getting migraines. “Oh, you think this is going to help the brand? Sure…”
The real kicker is that this isn’t just a PR blunder—it’s a textbook case of misreading the room. Target’s leadership apparently believes that alienating huge swaths of their customer base is a genius growth strategy. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Announcing you’re scrapping DEI programs in 2025 is like showing up to a potluck with a Jell-O mold. It’s outdated, nobody wants it, and everyone’s wondering why you even bothered.
At the end of the day, it’s just sad. Target was supposed to be the “good” big-box store—the place with modern home décor, clothes you might actually wear and still fit in at the office, and a vibe that made you forget you were at a slightly bougier Walmart. Now? They’re out here pandering to the loudest minority like it’s 2016 forever. Somebody at Target HQ needs to realize the culture hasn’t shifted. The country didn’t suddenly become a MAGA wonderland. People still want companies that stand for something, not ones that shout, “We don’t care about inclusion anymore! We ain’t WOKE! Come shop with us!” I mean, I’m realistic to know that the executive boards of most places I shop are republicans because they’re very pro-capitalist, but at least most of those executives have the business savvy to talk out of both sides of their mouths.
It’s just bad branding. It’s bad PR. It’s bad business. Not to mention bad ethics because of what you’re saying to all the current and former employees who benefitted from this or looked up to you for it. I can sense all the eye rolls as I write that… But I don’t fucking care, I say you’re an embarrassment, Target. Even more embarrassing than deciding to stock the shelves all day long and not get out of your customers’ fucking way while doing it.
If you’re from Minnesota you might be aware that their headquarters building often having themed lights and designs on top of their skyscrapers (it’s in the thumbnail for this post). That would often correspond with their sponsorship of local pride parades, which I guess they probably aren’t doing anymore? I guess they might as well stop with the special designs on their building and just go to a solid red with the letters MAGA since we now know what their obsession with the color red is really all about.
In related news, the USAF has removed videos of the Tuskegee Airmen in their training programs due to T***p’s order to remove DEI training from government. I once knew some elder vets personally who, despite being conservative (at least by yesteryear’s definition) who would absolutely find this news shocking and unsettling. Alas, now that that these super-vital moves have been made to make America oh so great, I’m sure he can get around to saving the economy and rolling back inflation now like everyone has been promising. That’s why he had your vote, right? Or have those goalposts moved already…
