Modern Corporate Racism & Causesumerism
March 29, 2022 · Kris Tyte & Sean Snodgrass

Modern Corporate Racism & Causesumerism

In this episode of Positively Pedestrian, we discuss the intricacies of racism and misappropriated modern versions of perpetuating racist thinking through hypocritical so-called "diversity and inclusion" training and various other inappropriate artifacts of corporate culture regardless of intent. Race is a social construct, not a scientific or empirical quality of humanity, so we discuss possible ways to move past the social construct. Lastly, we discuss what it means to be marginalized and ways we can move away from the status quo and do far better.

Quotable
“You know you have a good job if you don't know what day it is. ”
— Kris Tyte
Reflects on the perception of job satisfaction when time pressure and rigid schedules are minimized.
Follow Up Notes
Liliana Coste says…
The hosts discuss the value of audience interaction, highlighting how listener feedback can deepen engagement and generate new ideas.
Comment
Anonymous Listener says…
The idea of opening podcasts to audience interaction makes the content feel more dynamic and community-driven.
Follow Up Notes
Digital Culture Insight says…
Online trolling is framed as both a potential challenge and an opportunity for engagement, depending on how creators respond.
Quotable
“I wouldn't handle the idea of actually hurting one of these nameless, faceless corporations. ”
— Sean Snodgrass
Highlights ethical hesitation around hacking and causing harm, even toward large institutions.
Comment
Reb (Anecdote) says…
Story about a fast-food worker using a radio announcer voice highlights how personality can transform ordinary interactions.
Quotable
“That boils my blood when someone takes tips meant for workers. ”
— Kris Tyte
Critiques unethical labor practices where employers appropriate tips intended for service staff.
Quotable
“Planting a tree in this area is just a symbolic act. ”
— Kris Tyte
Challenges assumptions about environmental initiatives, emphasizing the importance of measurable impact.
Photo
Infographic showing how cause-based marketing blends emotional messaging with profit incentives, often creating a gap between perceived and actual impact.
Cause-based marketing and profit motives
Quotable
“Is that all marketing anyway? I feel like, if you're careful and you personally give a shit, you could run a marketing department that actually does something ”
— Kris Tyte & Sean Snodgrass
Questions whether all marketing ultimately serves as persuasion regardless of ethical framing.
Photo
Infographic illustrating how corporate-driven social initiatives intersect with socioeconomic inequality, showing how branding, resource distribution, education, and environmental access influence life outcomes.
Socioeconomic inequality and opportunity gaps
Quotable
“It's not up to the corporation to fix that. It's up to you. ”
— Kris Tyte
Emphasizes personal responsibility in addressing bias and social behavior.
Photo
Infographic illustrating how race functions as a socially constructed framework layered over biological human variation.
Race as a social construct layered over human variation
Photo
Infographic contrasting forced-outcome bias training with open-ended self-reflection models that encourage deeper understanding.
Bias training vs self-reflection
Quotable
“If you can't have an honest conversation with yourself, you'll never have one. ”
— Kris Tyte
Highlights introspection as essential for personal growth and bias awareness.
Photo
Infographic showing how clickbait and algorithms reinforce beliefs and drive repeated engagement.
Algorithm-driven content loop
Comment
Hosts says…
The “you might be marginalized if” segment humorously reframes socioeconomic challenges as lived experiences.
Follow Up Notes
Liliana Coste says…
Lack of financial literacy is identified as a key factor contributing to long-term marginalization.
Photo
Infographic illustrating how income, education, and environment shape life outcomes.
Socioeconomic inequality and opportunity gaps
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