A Wren Says

There are more rainbows this month, even without and increase in precipitation. Brands have emblazoned their products with more colors to celebrate Pride Month. (Well, Skittles has gotten rid of theirs for the month.) There are special edition products galore. Maybe you’re excited. Maybe you’re hoping to buy something because you feel included or you want to be an ally. Or perhaps you’re easily tempted by a special edition drop. Have at it. Enjoy the artwork and celebration. Just remember that this is after all, still just marketing. While a number of places are donating proceeds to causes (you can find a list here), they are choosing to do so now because it is part of maintaining an image. They could support these charities all year long. They could support silently, without fanfare. But after all it is Pride Month now, and they would really like your money, so they will have announce it and make sure you know.

Not to rain on the parade, but if these issues are important to you, remember to do your research. Support brands that are supportive outside the month of June. Take note of how they treat their employees, and look up their policies and ongoing corporate social responsibility practices. I won’t fault a company for trying their best to make money, and I recognize there are those who are genuinely invested. I just look at it with a dose healthy skepticism, possibly cynicism.