Internet Culture

Anti-rainbow capitalism memes fight back against the corporatization of Pride

More like rainbow CRAPitalism.

Photo of Alex Dalbey

Alex Dalbey

rainbow capitalism memes
@ingi_chbr/Twitter Alex Dalbey

All the companies showing support for Pride month are a sign of cultural change, but many LGBTQ folks see them as pure cash grabs. The memes making fun of the “rainbow capitalism” are pure gold.

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There is no denying that it can be powerful to be surrounded by messages of LGBTQ acceptance, especially when you have more experience with hatred and discrimination. But many folks in the LGBTQ community are tired of the Pride marketing campaigns for a variety of reasons. Not least of which, many companies trying to push their brand with rainbows and claims of support have a history of quite the opposite.

Victoria’s Secret Pink, for example, was recently reamed for tweeting a Pride message despite refusing to hire transgender models. YouTube was similarly criticized for having rainbow branding despite regularly demonetizing LGBTQ content and allowing anti-LGBTQ harassment on the site.

https://twitter.com/day10machine/status/1136878044080091136

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Companies claiming LGBTQ acceptance often seem to only be doing so now because the message is profitable, but they don’t have sustained support for the community outside of June. The widespread rainbow washing of products and ads has resulted in the rise of the term “rainbow capitalism” and a deluge of hilarious memes from people who can see right through the corporate thought process.

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https://twitter.com/ingi_chbr/status/1135529926956920832

https://twitter.com/gaysnufkin69/status/1136019387675283456

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Some of the worst Pride branding comes from companies that try really hard to appear accepting but end up creating something deeply awkward and forced.

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https://twitter.com/IcyCavs/status/1136054414714769408

https://twitter.com/_Kenziepuff/status/1135253419105562624

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All that said, even folks who have a deep burning hatred for rainbow capitalism and companies attempting to co-opt Pride can be tempted by clothing companies putting out Pride collections. Drinking beer from a rainbow can or swishing with mouthwash from a rainbow bottle won’t help me connect with my community, but clothes that silently signal my identity actually might.

https://twitter.com/Darius_lives/status/1119297597032882176

https://twitter.com/contraisaac/status/1135299606659719170

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https://twitter.com/fwmj/status/1136021194598039552

While it can be disorienting and hurtful to see companies try to profit off of the LGBTQ community, it’s important to remember the effect that the imagery could have on a child or young person who might not know that it’s OK to love themselves for who they are.

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