The Patriot Post® · Goodyear's Woke Blowout
Earlier this week a photo was leaked that purported to show a Goodyear diversity-training session with a screenshot depicting examples of the tire company’s “zero tolerance” for alleged bigotry. The list included examples of “acceptable” expressions — for instance, support for Black Lives Matter and the LGBT crowd — while the list of “unacceptable” expressions included support for Blue Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, MAGA attire, and, ironically, “political affiliated slogans or material.” How exactly is BLM not a political slogan?
The leaked image suddenly became front-page news when President Donald Trump blasted Goodyear via social media. “Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES,” he declared. “They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS. Get better tires for far less!” He then implicitly noted the cancel culture practice of the Left, arguing, “This is what the Radical Left Democrats do. Two can play the same game, and we have to start playing it now!”
Following Trump’s message, Goodyear released a statement denying the validity of the leaked photo, claiming that “the visual in question was not created or distributed by Goodyear corporate, nor was it part of a diversity training class.” Goodyear further asserted, “[The image] created some misconceptions about our policies and our company. Goodyear has always wholeheartedly supported both equality and law enforcement and will continue to do so.” So, end of story?
Nope. Audio from the training session has now emerged to back up the original claim. The audio from a Goodyear diversity-training session in Topeka, Kansas, contradicts the company’s written statement. “Some people may wish to express their views on social justice or inequity or equity issues such as Black Lives Matter or LGBTQ pride on their face coverings, shirts, or wristbands,” the instructor says, adding, “That will be deemed approved because it applies with a zero-tolerance stance. However, if any associate wears all, blue, [or] white lives matter shirts or face coverings, that will not be appropriate.” It seems Goodyear corporate was less than honest.
Obviously, Goodyear doesn’t stand for actual diversity of both skin color and, more importantly, thought. Rather than holding to true standards of equity and rather than supporting law and order and those who are charged with enforcing it, Goodyear has rendered these ideals “unacceptable” under its “zero tolerance” policy. The company has embraced the Left’s “woke” “anti-racism” racism and Marxist vision of “morality” by insisting that these are the only acceptable expressions their employees are allowed. This is not freedom; it’s fascism.
Furthermore, rather than honestly recognizing and apologizing for this blatant display of intolerance, Goodyear’s leadership denied the truth and then sought to pander to law enforcement. “We have heard from some of you that believe Goodyear is anti-police after reacting to the visual,” its statement said. “Nothing could be further from the truth, and we have the utmost appreciation for the vital work police do on behalf of our shared communities. This can’t be said strongly enough.” That statement cannot be classified as anything other than classic doublespeak.
Goodyear could have avoided this whole spectacle if the company stuck to what it was first created to do — make tires. All Goodyear has done is give people a reason not to buy its tires. As Dennis Slocumb, international political director and vice president emeritus of The International Union of Police Associations, stated, “The feedback I have heard, and I will admit most of the people with whom I interact are quite of the same mind I am, [is that] that they would no [longer] buy Goodyear tires. It’s not like you don’t have a choice. We would support anyone who supports the police not buying Goodyear.”