“I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.” _Frances McDormand

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Director Ava DuVernay: ‘We didn’t need any inclusion riders‘. Ava Duvernay, director of Wrinkle in Time, said that there was no need for inclusion riders in her latest film because ‘we just hired talented people of all kinds and colours and we hope that more people do that.’

We would hope more people in a position of power would think like Ms. DuVernay however sadly that’s not the case.  This got me to thinking “How does that apply to the brands I support?”  As a plus size woman of color I find myself fighting this fight for representation on two fronts.  Being plus size I see many hour-glass or retouched body in plus size campaigns.  And as a woman of color in plus size or campaigns, in general, I don’t see women or men for that matter whos skins looks like mine.  Should I be happy just seeing a racially ambiguous model?

I personally believe the issue with representation starts long before the brand’s ad hits the magazine or social media.  It starts with the marketing and or PR companies many brands work with.  As an influencer, I receive a ton of emails to from marketing and public relation firms.  A quick google search will let you know who you’re dealing with.  Often times the owners, main principals or lead decision-making associates are not people of color.  Please note: When I say of color I mean any color African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc..

Brands hire these firms to come up with campaigns and marketing strategies often time to reach a diverse market.  But I wonder do those same brands look at who they’re hiring to implement that diversity they seek.  I in no way am saying hiring all ” insert any minority group here” marketing or public relations firms.  What I am saying is brands would be better serviced by firms that are inclusive from the top down.

I can tell when a brand’s firm is diverse.  Their social media (Instagram) doesn’t look whitewashed.  The ad work looks realistic.  The brand’s message comes off relateable.  There is a subtle nuance that ropes you into those campaigns that groupthink will never be able to deliver.

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Now I find myself going back to my original question.  Should brands the brands we love require inclusion riders?  Or should I accept I and people like me are not their demographic?

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