Saturday, August 22, 2020

Goodyear incoherence

Goodyear, the tire maker, has triggered controversy with policy rules about what political messages on attire its employees may wear in the workplace. President Trump has urged boycotting Goodyear for its policy rules. This article from a Topeka TV station is about the controversy. 

Another article about the controversy includes this statement: “Goodyear is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where all of our associates can do their best in a spirit of teamwork. As part of this commitment, we do allow our associates to express their support on racial injustice and other equity issues but ask that they refrain from workplace expressions, verbal or otherwise, in support of political campaigning for any candidate or political party as well as other similar forms of advocacy that fall outside the scope of equity issues.” - Melissa Monaco, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

How expressing "support on racial injustice and other equity issues" is non-political is incoherent. It's not overtly political, but it is de facto political. It urges political action, at least implicitly. Those who express such support to change government or society -- vocally, written, or worn -- are nearly always pro-Democrat, pro-progressive, or otherwise favor "left wing" politics. They are not pro-Trump, pro-Republicans, pro-conservative, or "right wing." Indeed, the Goodyear policy is specifically against expressions supporting views held by the latter.

Scott Adams -- of Dilbert fame -- talks about the Goodyear controversy here stating at 1:08:15. Regarding Goodyear's policy, he only called the details murky and it a misfired message. Part of his focus was on the potential reaction of voters to Trump calling for a boycott of Goodyear.

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