End Wokeness exposed Target’s diverse Christmas décor that had Santas in wheelchairs and a pride flag-wearing soldier. Know who is Target employ Erik Thompson
On November 15, the widely followed X page, End Wokeness uncovered Target’s latest holiday offerings, showcasing house décor that is stirring both curiosity and controversy. The tweet, which has gained over 3.3 million views unveiled Santas representing various ethnicities seated in wheelchairs, alongside a soldier proudly carrying the Pride flag while donning a rainbow hat.
Who is Erik Thompson Target senior LGBTQIA+ Strategist and Pride Lead
Target has promoted Erik Thompson to Senior LGBTQIA+ Strategist and Pride Lead
In his new role overseeing Target’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual marketing!https://t.co/AI2laQMsFd— Gene Klosinski (@GeneKlosinski) November 15, 2023
Apparently, Target didn't learn after their last decline. The new Senior LMNOP+ Segmentation Strategist & Pr*de Lead welcomes Erik Thompson!
Just in time for the decline of the holiday season.
Who’s ready to go shopping? pic.twitter.com/YX6SqYs1rR
— 🇺🇸 Larry 🇺🇸 (@LarryDJonesJr) November 15, 2023
Target’s attempt to diversify its Christmas decor has caught the attention of social media users, with End Wokeness shedding light on these unique additions. The images depict a departure from traditional holiday symbols, incorporating elements that reflect a more inclusive representation of different communities. Know who is Erik Thompson, the man rumored to be behind the décor.
Erik Thompson started working at Target in June 2014, initially as a Merchandize Planning Business Analyst. Over the years, he took on various roles, such as Senior Business Analyst, Associate Buyer for Men’s Sportswear, and eventually became the Buyer for Beauty and Cosmetics.
This progression in roles showcases his career growth and the different areas of the business he has been involved in since joining in 2014.
Erik Thompson graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts in corporate marketing and organizational communication. At Liverpool Hope University, he also pursued studies in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial studies.
The Santas in wheelchairs aim to showcase diversity in physical abilities, breaking away from the conventional portrayal of Santa Claus. Additionally, the inclusion of a soldier carrying the Pride flag and wearing a rainbow hat adds a layer of representation for the LGBTQ community within the holiday narrative.
As the tweet continues to circulate, reactions are pouring in, with some applauding Target for embracing inclusivity in their holiday offerings. Others, however, express skepticism, questioning the necessity of such specific representations and whether it align with the true spirit of the festive season.
This revelation from End Wokeness adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the intersection of social issues and holiday traditions. Whether these diverse Christmas decorations resonate positively with the public or contribute to the growing backlash against “wokeness” in corporate initiatives remains to be seen.
Target’s decision to step into this territory highlights the delicate balance companies must navigate when attempting to cater to diverse audiences while respecting the traditions and expectations associated with the holiday season.