Podcast Summary: Unhinged & Immoral – "DEI and Boycotts"

Episode Information:

• Title: DEI and Boycotts
• Release Date: January 30, 2025
• Hosts: Jamila Bell and Mecca Evans
• Production: Diamond MPrint Productions

Introduction to DEI Rollbacks

In this episode, hosts Jamila Bell and Mecca Evans delve into the controversial topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rollbacks in major retail corporations, with a particular focus on Target. They express both surprise and disappointment over these corporate decisions, highlighting the broader implications for marginalized communities.

Notable Quote:

Jameela: "I was the most unshocked at the stores rolling back their DEI. The only thing that shocked me was them being stupid enough to announce it." (02:13)

Impact on Black-Owned and Minority Businesses

The hosts discuss how DEI rollbacks not only affect large corporations but also have a cascading effect on Black-owned and minority-owned businesses that were previously supported through these initiatives. They emphasize that dismantling DEI efforts can lead to the marginalization of these businesses, limiting their visibility and growth opportunities.

Notable Quote:

Jameela: "They specifically sought out black owned brands and LGBTQ owned brands, indigenous brands, to bring them in and kind of give them a highlighted moment." (09:36)

Tabitha Brown’s Response and Public Relations Maneuvering

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Tabitha Brown’s public response to DEI rollbacks at Target. The hosts analyze her approach, critiquing the timing and tone of her announcements. They argue that while her points were valid, her delivery seemed rushed and tone-deaf, potentially alienating the very communities she aims to support.

Notable Quote:

Mecca: "She was like, hippie dippy. But it was very relatable. It was very wholesome. It was black family core." (05:16)

Comparing Modern Boycotts to the Civil Rights Movement

Bell and Evans draw parallels between contemporary boycotts against corporations like Target and historical boycotts during the Civil Rights Movement. They stress the importance of intentionality and strategic planning, lessons they believe are often overlooked in modern activism. The hosts advocate for organized and purposeful boycotts that mirror the structured efforts of past movements to effect meaningful change.

Notable Quote:

Mecca: "We need to mirror our elders and the civil rights movement and literally, for real, be intentional." (07:18)

Challenges of Organizing Boycotts in Small Towns vs. Major Cities

The discussion highlights the logistical and societal challenges of organizing boycotts in smaller towns compared to larger cities. The hosts point out that while orchestrating a boycott in metropolitan areas like Houston is feasible due to the availability of Black-owned businesses as alternatives, rural or less populated areas lack such resources, making widespread participation more difficult.

Notable Quote:

Mecca: "You cannot Ask someone in Mobile to boycott Target Walmart because the next shit is an hour away." (17:45)

Role of Community Institutions in Advocacy

Emphasizing the role of community institutions, particularly churches, Bell and Evans argue that religious organizations played a pivotal role in the success of the Civil Rights Movement by providing organizational support and moral guidance. They suggest that modern advocacy efforts could benefit from similar community-driven structures to amplify their impact.

Notable Quote:

Mecca: "The churches and the mosques were integral in the civil rights movement." (08:12)

Concluding Insights and Recommendations

In wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate the necessity for strategic planning in activism. They caution against unfocused or widespread boycotts that could inadvertently harm the very communities they aim to support. Instead, they advocate for targeted actions that are well-organized and supported by robust alternative options for consumers.

Notable Quote:

Jameela: "Let's figure out the end goal here... What is the end goal and then figure out how we're going to get there." (09:36)

Additional Segments: Personal Anecdotes and Listener Interactions

While the primary focus remains on DEI and boycotts, the episode also features personal anecdotes from the hosts regarding their experiences with religion and church culture. These stories provide a deeper understanding of their perspectives on community organization and personal empowerment.

Furthermore, the episode includes a "Spin It" segment where Jamila and Mecca respond to listener-submitted situations, offering advice and humorously addressing relationship and personal challenges. This segment, while tangential to the main topic, showcases the hosts' signature blend of humor and practical advice.

Notable Quote from Spin It:

Jameela: "You have to utilize your resources. Use that punani for good. And if he starts getting weird, sue his ass and you will win." (67:50)

Conclusion

This episode of Unhinged & Immoral offers a comprehensive analysis of DEI rollbacks in the retail sector, exploring their implications for minority-owned businesses and drawing lessons from historical activism. Through insightful discussions and relatable anecdotes, Jamila Bell and Mecca Evans provide listeners with both critical perspectives and actionable advice on navigating and responding to corporate and societal challenges.

Please note that timestamps are provided in parentheses next to the notable quotes for reference.