It’s hard to see Netflix’s actions as anything but an attempt to silence employees. Employees spoke out against Netflix’s decision to stand behind a transphobic, hateful comic who shared a tirade in his latest comedy special. Soon afterwards, at least three employees were sent a link to join a meeting by a director at the company. They joined, believing it was a chance to discuss the issue. Instead, Netflix used it as an excuse to suspend them. The company has now reinstated them, even admitting that the employees were invited to the meeting and should not have been suspended.
But the damage has been done, Netflix employees are afraid to stand up against bigotry. It’s hard to believe that wasn’t Netflix’s plan all along.
Despite that fear, employees are organizing a walkout on October 20th.
Netflix Walkout October 20th
Comments made by the co-CEO Ted Sarandos disregarded the very real effect hate speech like that spewed by Chappelle has on public opinion. Hate speech leads to violence. Netflix normally understands this, banning bigotry on its platform. However, when it comes to transphobia and homophobia, Netflix turns a blind eye all too willingly. It’s possible they’d never actually stand up against bigotry on their platform.
As a result, the transgender resource group within Netflix is planning a walkout on October 20th. The walkout will likely include trans employees as well as allies and others distressed by hate speech on the platform. Regardless of personal beliefs, hate speech doesn’t deserve the platform Netflix has given it, and could contribute to a growing epidemic of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes.
If you’d like to stand in solidarity with Netflix employees, you could consider a Netflix blackout on Wednesday, October 20th, or cancel your subscription altogether. Let’s face it, there’s better use of your time than Netflix anyway.
Source: Zoe Schiffer, The Verge