Unilever, the parent company to many household products, recently debuted the inclusive, anti-stereotyping commercial called 'Science Against Stereotyping.' The initiative brings together various individuals from different backgrounds to receive an ancestry test. The aim was to get people to think differently about the world starting with themselves.
After people receive their results, they are dumbfounded and excited. People who had previously thought they were all one ethnicity discover they have a much more diverse background, and according to the video, this "shows that we're much more alike than we think we are." The campaign then shows the participants learning about their unconscious biases in perceiving the world and ways in which to overcome these inaccurate views.
Anti-Stereotyping Campaigns
Unilever Debuts New 'Science Against Stereotyping' Campaign
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can embrace inclusive advertising to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity and acceptance.
2. Unconscious Bias Training - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Organizations can implement unconscious bias training programs to raise awareness and help individuals overcome inaccurate views and biases.
3. Ancestry Exploration - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can leverage the popularity of ancestry exploration to encourage individuals to embrace their diverse backgrounds and foster a sense of connection with others.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising and Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The advertising and marketing industry can incorporate inclusive messaging and campaigns that challenge stereotypes and promote diversity.
2. Professional Development and Consulting - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Professional development and consulting firms can offer unconscious bias training programs to help organizations create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
3. Genealogy and DNA Testing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Genealogy and DNA testing companies can enhance their services to focus not only on ancestry exploration but also on promoting diversity and fostering a sense of connection between individuals.