You have thoughts on corporate America's reaction to the Chauvin verdict.
Good morning. David Meyer here in Berlin, filling in for Alan.
Which is useful, as my Wednesday essay, on corporate America’s statements regarding Derek Chauvin’s conviction for the murder of George Floyd, asked you for feedback. Plenty came in.
Let’s start with D.R.: “Many of the comments by industry titans are true. However, until all the individuals that make up this nation change their attitude nothing will change. We need to assess the real reasons behind ‘race on race’ violence and make that change before anything will actually change.”
More overt skepticism now, from V.S.: “No, the statements did not meet the moment. None of them stated specific actions on how their organizations were addressing systemic discriminatory practices. No one apologized for social media and technology platforms that contribute to racism and fascism.”
…And from D.L.: “Mark Zuckerberg??? C’mon man. He sponsors, builds and profits off of THE problem. I have friends who work at FB and I am incredulous they aid a company so rotten to the core. The thing’s a damn algorithmic hate factory on pretty much every issue of our lifetime.”
…And from G.M.: “Just empty comments from these supposed leaders of business, all looking for a leg up on their competitors. What have they really done up to now in their organizations to help these minorities?”
Meanwhile, B.T. wrote that “the main issue is excessive use of force by police. The racial issue is important but not the primary issue.” S.P. agreed: “Derek Chauvin was not found guilty of racism or tried for a hate crime. That doesn’t mean race wasn’t part of his motive—only he and God knows—but that wasn’t what the trial was about.”
Separately, T.L. wrote in from New Zealand to discuss the opening entreaty in Alan’s Earth Day essay yesterday:
“Why do people want every day that is ‘celebrated’ to be ‘Happy’…being told ‘have a Happy Earth Day’ seems to imply that we must enjoy the day and it is a nice day…Sorry I am not going to have a Happy Earth Day as we pick up plastic off the beach at the bottom of our road. Even here at the bottom of the world. I am going to have a Motivated Earth Day.”
Have a good weekend, everyone! More news below.
David Meyer
@superglaze
david.meyer@fortune.com
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This edition of CEO Daily was edited by David Meyer.
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