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Corporate America's Gun Silence is Jarring Amid Mass Shootings
In the wake of another devastating mass school shooting in Nashville, it's surprising that corporate America hasn't been more vocal on gun control. The United States has grown accustomed to seeing major CEOs convening alongside elected officials in Washington, DC, to discuss geopolitics and policy issues. However, when it comes to gun regulation, corporate America seems remarkably quiet.
In recent years, the sector has made significant strides in advocating for gun control. In 2019, nearly 150 major companies, including Lululemon, Lyft, and Unilever, called gun violence a "public health crisis" and demanded that lawmakers pass legislation to address it. Even after mass shootings at a Walmart in El Paso and a nightclub in Dayton, Ohio, many corporate leaders continued to push for stricter regulations.
So, what's behind this sudden silence? Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct access to major CEOs, attributes the lack of outcry to the growing expectation that corporations will take on every social issue. He argues that while CEOs have made significant strides in advocating for causes like climate change and immigration reform, they're not being held accountable for their efforts.
Sonnenfeld notes that corporate America has taken a strong stance on gun control, but they've stopped short of taking concrete action. "They're still the most active even if they're less active than they were six months ago," he says. "But CEOs don't want to be the only one singing; they want there to be a chorus."
Sonnenfeld's frustration is echoed by many who feel that corporations have become too vocal on certain issues while remaining silent on others. When asked about his concerns, Sonnenfeld says, "They've taken a very strong stance and they've gone out further than the general public. But we're ready for others to now do something. Social capital is as valuable as financial capital."
It's worth noting that corporations still wield significant influence in terms of campaign contributions. However, since the 2020 elections, big business has given much less to politicians compared to previous years.
In contrast, Tesla's latest earnings report shows a modest 4% rise in sales despite efforts to reduce prices and attract more demand for its lower-priced vehicles. The company produced more cars than it sold in the first quarter of this year, raising questions about the validity of Elon Musk's claims of strong demand for those models.
The contrast between corporate America's gun silence and Tesla's sales performance highlights the need for meaningful action on gun control. While corporations have a role to play, they can't be expected to solve this complex issue on their own. It's time for civil society to step up and join the chorus of advocacy, rather than relying solely on CEOs to push for change.
In the wake of another devastating mass school shooting in Nashville, it's surprising that corporate America hasn't been more vocal on gun control. The United States has grown accustomed to seeing major CEOs convening alongside elected officials in Washington, DC, to discuss geopolitics and policy issues. However, when it comes to gun regulation, corporate America seems remarkably quiet.
In recent years, the sector has made significant strides in advocating for gun control. In 2019, nearly 150 major companies, including Lululemon, Lyft, and Unilever, called gun violence a "public health crisis" and demanded that lawmakers pass legislation to address it. Even after mass shootings at a Walmart in El Paso and a nightclub in Dayton, Ohio, many corporate leaders continued to push for stricter regulations.
So, what's behind this sudden silence? Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct access to major CEOs, attributes the lack of outcry to the growing expectation that corporations will take on every social issue. He argues that while CEOs have made significant strides in advocating for causes like climate change and immigration reform, they're not being held accountable for their efforts.
Sonnenfeld notes that corporate America has taken a strong stance on gun control, but they've stopped short of taking concrete action. "They're still the most active even if they're less active than they were six months ago," he says. "But CEOs don't want to be the only one singing; they want there to be a chorus."
Sonnenfeld's frustration is echoed by many who feel that corporations have become too vocal on certain issues while remaining silent on others. When asked about his concerns, Sonnenfeld says, "They've taken a very strong stance and they've gone out further than the general public. But we're ready for others to now do something. Social capital is as valuable as financial capital."
It's worth noting that corporations still wield significant influence in terms of campaign contributions. However, since the 2020 elections, big business has given much less to politicians compared to previous years.
In contrast, Tesla's latest earnings report shows a modest 4% rise in sales despite efforts to reduce prices and attract more demand for its lower-priced vehicles. The company produced more cars than it sold in the first quarter of this year, raising questions about the validity of Elon Musk's claims of strong demand for those models.
The contrast between corporate America's gun silence and Tesla's sales performance highlights the need for meaningful action on gun control. While corporations have a role to play, they can't be expected to solve this complex issue on their own. It's time for civil society to step up and join the chorus of advocacy, rather than relying solely on CEOs to push for change.