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> Was it because those industries thought those issues were more important than profit? I take a more cynical view - they wanted to get ahead of the narrative
by mbesto 5y ago
> Was it because those industries thought those issues were more important than profit?
I take a more cynical view - they wanted to get ahead of the narrative before the public did. It meant a better PR angle, a more well thought out strategy to thwart external pressure, and a better forecast on how long you could milk the cow.
- slg 5y agoTo be clear, I was being sarcastic. I agree with you and don't think it is in anyway cynical. It is the obvious reason. It allowed these industries to change the public discourse regarding these issues. For example, the oil industry was a big force behind the "personal responsibility" angle of fighting environmental problems trying to shift public perceptions from blaming the oil industry to blaming individual consumers.
- mbesto 5y agoFair enough! haha