As someone who values inclusivity and equity, discovering that my favorite company was accused of widespread discrimination against a group I identify with would be incredibly disheartening. At first, I would feel a mix of disappointment, anger, and betrayal—especially if I had admired the company’s values or supported their mission publicly. When an organization I trust is accused of marginalizing people based on ethnicity, culture, or beliefs, it raises serious questions about their internal culture and leadership priorities.
The claims of discrimination would absolutely influence my decision to support the company moving forward. Until they responded transparently and took clear accountability—such as initiating third-party investigations, issuing a sincere public apology, and laying out an actionable plan for change—I would pause any purchases or endorsements of their brand. In a world where consumer power can drive real change, withholding support can be a meaningful way to demand accountability.
As for working at the company, these allegations would definitely affect my decision. I would not feel comfortable joining a team or environment where there may be underlying systemic discrimination, especially if it impacts people like me. Unless the company made genuine, sustained efforts to rebuild trust and foster inclusivity, I would likely remove them from my list of potential employers.
Ultimately, companies don’t just represent products—they represent values. If their actions don’t align with the values they preach, then as a consumer and a future professional, I feel responsible for holding them to a higher standard.
One reply on “Week 2 – Blog Post: Experiences with Discrimination ”
I really relate to what you wrote — I think I’d feel the same way if a company I supported was accused of discrimination, especially against a group I’m part of. It would honestly feel like a mix of disappointment and betrayal, and it would definitely make me question whether their values were ever genuine. I like that you mentioned the importance of companies being transparent and actually taking responsibility, not just putting out a quick PR statement. Without real action — like an outside investigation and a clear plan for change — I’d also hold off on supporting them. I think as consumers and future employees, we have the power to hold companies accountable, and it’s important to pay attention to whether their actions line up with what they claim to stand for. You’re right — companies aren’t just about products, they represent values, and that has to mean something.