Four Reasons Why Harley Davidson's CEO Claims to Embrace the “Woke” Culture
The backlash against Harley-Davidson being "woke" likely comes from a segment of their traditional customer base that prefers the brand's classic image and may view these changes as a departure from what they believe Harley-Davidson stands for.
Lately, Harley Davidson's CEO, Jochen Zeitz, has been under fire for making a statement of embracing the "woke" culture and has alienated many of the company's fan-base by doing so. It has come to the point where people are destroying their Harleys with a barrage of military weapons, such as mini-guns, M-60s, and even heavier ordinance like dynamite to make a stand against the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices of what is perceived as a "compromise" by the American motorcycle company. Some of these staged spectacles are coming even after Zeitz has issued a public apology on the matter. Some of the more dramatic videos claim destruction of their "woke" Harley Davidsons by cannon fire and one YouTuber uses everything at their disposal to literally destroy their motorcycle.
https://youtube.com/shorts/TmQNVNRzOSA?si=U4I1HnOVwTV62-XB
It seems the term "woke" has evolved over time and is often used to describe a heightened awareness of social issues, particularly those related to racial and gender equality. So, when people refer to a company like Harley-Davidson as "going woke," they usually mean that the company has adopted policies or taken public stances on social issues that align with progressive values.
For Harley-Davidson, being labeled as "woke" relates to several actions or changes, such as:
1. Inclusive Marketing: Harley-Davidson, traditionally associated with a rugged, male-dominated biker culture, might be broadening its marketing to appeal to a more diverse audience. This could include targeting women, people of color, or younger riders who may not fit the stereotypical image of a Harley rider.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility: The company could be engaging in initiatives that support social causes, such as sustainability, diversity in the workplace, or supporting marginalized communities. This may involve partnerships, donations, or campaigns that align with progressive values.
3. Product Changes: Harley-Davidson may have introduced new products that cater to different demographics, such as electric motorcycles that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. This shift towards greener products could be seen as part of a broader "woke" agenda.
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4. Public Statements and Policies: The company’s leadership may have made public statements in support of social justice movements, or implemented internal policies that promote diversity and inclusion, which some may interpret as the company taking a political stance.
I think the backlash against Harley-Davidson being "woke" comes from a segment of their traditional customer base that prefers the brand's classic image and may view these changes as a departure from what they believe Harley-Davidson stands for. However, these moves might be a strategic effort by the company to stay relevant in a changing world and to attract new customers while remaining true to its core values.
What do you think?