America Now 2023: Harnessing American Identity to Navigate Social Issues

What Surprised Us:

The generational tug-of-war between Gen Z and Baby Boomers is a foundational source of polarization in the country and is instigating backlash towards brands. Generational tension isn’t’ a new phenomenon, but this culture shift is distinct from previous cycles in two ways:

1. Social media is amplifying individual opinions and aggravating conflict.
2. Real diversity in the United States is rapidly increasing the multitude of different cultural backgrounds and perspectives.

The Big Picture:

To bridge the cultural divide and fuel brand growth, brands must act on 3 key truths:

Truth #1: Polarization Is Permanent

Political ideology now plays a bigger role in Americans’ identities, so brands must understand how that translates to personal values.

Action: Respond to amplified intersectionality, gender and sexuality shifts, and a generational transformation by telling stories that highlight a Collective Individualism – everyone’s unique identities are exactly what holds us together. Polarization is here to stay but it’s not binary. Avoid simplistic caricatures and speak to values over politics.

Truth #2: Backlash Is Inevitable

There is good news and bad news. The good news is that inclusive marketing is succeeding. Significantly more Americans now say they are satisfied with how their race, ethnicity, and sexuality are portrayed in advertising. The bad news is that bad actors are often using inclusive marketing as a wedge to provoke backlash. In order to deal with this backlash, brands must understand the nature of it and the source of that risk.

Backlash is inevitable, but it’s not all the same. Familiarize yourself with the types of backlash and protect your brand by knowing your risk and your audience. These types include 1) Sharing feedback about a bad experience – this risk is more apparent among conservative consumers, 2) Breaking up with a brand an no longer buying from them – liberal consumers are more likely to pull this lever, and 3) Boycotting a brand and encouraging others to do the same – Liberals also engage in this type of backlash most frequently, but conservative consumers are close behind.

Action: Don’t freeze in the face of backlash. Inaction is the biggest risk. Growth will come by connecting with key consumer segments via engagement across social and political issues.

Truth #3: Brands Must (and Can) Engage

Consumers still demand brands engage in social and political issues. But doing this well doesn’t mean responding to individual issues (that can often lead to trouble), but rather speaking to powerful and unifying themes; specifically Personal Protections and Social Freedoms.

Action: Communicate across broad themes rather than getting bogged down in single issues. Don’t shy away from addressing social and political issues that fit your brand’s values
and strategy.

Speak to Americans’ desire for Personal Protections: The world feels like a scary place right now and consumers want to know how you plan to look out for them.

Advocate for American’s Social Freedoms: Not everyone agrees about the specifics of modern inclusion, but most want the freedom to “be me.”

Contact us below to learn how you can access the full America Now report and navigate today’s intensifying social and political landscape, mitigate the risk of backlash, and grow your brand with diverse consumer segments.