Comments on: A coming problem of diversity

By: Raafi Rivero

Raafi Rivero — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:26:26 +0000

Johnathan, I think you’re right that diverse social patterns in the offline world translate to different uses of social media. One of the results is that the ways different demographic groups engage with social media create new opportunities for those who are paying attention. Any business that thrives on new and interesting ideas — such as advertising and marketing — suffers when the broadest amount of ideas aren’t being considered.

By: Adrianne

Adrianne — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:09:16 +0000

I agree with Johnny and Paige. Great post Jonathan. As an African American expat I have focused my social marketing on the two of the niche markets to which I belong. However my expertise is often sought in Europe because I am American which means I am thought of as representative of the US main stream culture. In that sense it is lucky for me I grew up receiving the messages created by and for a demographic group different than my own.

By: Paige McNulty

Paige McNulty — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 19:28:16 +0000

Tell me about it. I wonder how all who talk of “engaging customers to get to know them better” will react in environments that they may not be able to relate to. Great insight, great post.

By: Jonathan Trenn

Jonathan Trenn — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:31:46 +0000

Thanks for the comment Jonny.

I think that this is an often overlooked problem. One that no one wants to talk about but one that won’t go away.

I’m not coming from a traditional liberal or conservative position here. This isn’t a political issue to me. I’d also ad that there will be other underrepresented groups that many in marketing can’t relate to. Or, quite honestly, look down upon.

By: jonny goldstein

jonny goldstein — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:16:38 +0000

Thought provoking post. I remember going to a congressional hearing at Rayburn building in DC on the future of video which included Sean Hurley from YouTube, Mark Cuban, and other major players. Virtually no people of color in the gallery. That’s America. We’re a segrated society.

When I went to the last DC Social Media Club, almost all white.

DC Media Makers has some people of color—all well educated upwardly mobile immigrants. I was one of the people who started this group, so I’m not pointing the finger.

At the same time, it’s not like I want to artificially try to befriend people of color. That seems kind of insulting to them.

Awareness is a good place to start and post like this helps build that awareness.