'Rent-A-Minority' is a humorous new service that sends a powerful message about diversity. In light of the recent controversy surrounding '#OscarsSoWhite,' this fake service serves as a reminder that there is a need for greater diversity in the workplace, as well as in Hollywood.
Rent-A-Minority is the brainchild of Arwa Mahdawi, who initially created the site as a way to combat "the surface-level manner in which diversity issues are often dealt with." The site itself promotes a fake service that offers companies the chance to temporarily hire people of color without making institutional changes to their organization. The site cleverly plays on stereotypes such as the 'cheerful woman of color' or the 'intellectual black guy' and even includes mock testimonials.
Although the service is not real, Rent-A-Minority sends a powerful message about the shallow ways companies tackle diversity issues and the pressing need to foster a true culture of inclusion.
Satirical Diversity-Promoting Services
This Fake Service Makes a Strong Statement About Diversity
Trend Themes
1. Satirical Branding - Opportunity to create satirical brands that draw attention to serious issues, such as diversity
2. Innovative Social Commentaries - Opportunity to create innovative and humorous social commentaries that promote awareness and understanding of issues such as institutionalized racism and diversity within our society.
3. Humorous Activism - Opportunity to use humor to promote activism by raising awareness of certain issues in a palatable and entertaining way.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - Opportunity for advertising agencies to leverage humor and satire to create innovative campaigns for brands that draw attention to serious issues such as diversity.
2. Digital Media - Opportunity for digital media platforms to create innovative and humorous social commentaries around diversity issues and promote understanding and acceptance.
3. Entertainment - Opportunity for entertainment media to use humor and satire to raise awareness about issues such as diversity, and contribute to cultivating a more inclusive and accepting culture.