The power vacuum on gun control has left America's CEOs feeling deflated, with many wondering why they haven't been able to push for meaningful legislation in the wake of recent mass shootings. For decades, corporate leaders have been vocal advocates for gun reform, using their influence and financial muscle to lobby lawmakers and shape public opinion.
In 2019, nearly 150 major companies - including tech giants like Lyft and Unilever, as well as big-box retailers like Walmart - joined forces to demand that Congress pass legislation addressing the public health crisis of gun violence. The movement gained momentum again this summer, with CEOs calling out lawmakers for inaction on background checks and red flag laws.
So what happened? Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a leading expert on corporate social responsibility, says top executives are feeling frustrated and a bit helpless. "They've joined causes with valor and nobility," he told CNN Before the Bell, "but they can't just be taking cause after cause as if there's nobody else in society."
Sonnenfeld argues that CEOs have been doing all they can to push for gun reform, but it seems like no one is listening. "They're not there as hired hands of shareholders to fill the role of politicians and civic leaders," he explained. "They're there to join that chorus, but they don't want to be the only one singing."
The problem is, CEOs are starting to feel like they're shouldering all the responsibility for addressing gun violence. They've taken a strong stance on the issue, but their actions aren't translating into policy changes. It's as if they're waiting for others - particularly civil society and lawmakers - to step up and join the fight.
And yet, despite the sense of frustration among CEOs, many are still actively working on issues like voting rights and immigration reform. They're using their influence and resources to drive change, even if it doesn't seem like enough.
So what's driving this growing reliance on CEOs as advocates for gun reform? Sonnenfeld says it's a complex issue with deep roots in American society. "Social capital is as valuable as financial capital," he explained. "CEOs understand that in their soul, they want there to be public trust... But they need the rest of civil society to join them."
In short, America's CEOs are feeling deflated because they're waiting for others to do their part on gun control. They've been vocal advocates for years, but it seems like no one is listening. Until that changes, they'll continue to feel frustrated and helpless in the face of a growing public health crisis.
In 2019, nearly 150 major companies - including tech giants like Lyft and Unilever, as well as big-box retailers like Walmart - joined forces to demand that Congress pass legislation addressing the public health crisis of gun violence. The movement gained momentum again this summer, with CEOs calling out lawmakers for inaction on background checks and red flag laws.
So what happened? Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a leading expert on corporate social responsibility, says top executives are feeling frustrated and a bit helpless. "They've joined causes with valor and nobility," he told CNN Before the Bell, "but they can't just be taking cause after cause as if there's nobody else in society."
Sonnenfeld argues that CEOs have been doing all they can to push for gun reform, but it seems like no one is listening. "They're not there as hired hands of shareholders to fill the role of politicians and civic leaders," he explained. "They're there to join that chorus, but they don't want to be the only one singing."
The problem is, CEOs are starting to feel like they're shouldering all the responsibility for addressing gun violence. They've taken a strong stance on the issue, but their actions aren't translating into policy changes. It's as if they're waiting for others - particularly civil society and lawmakers - to step up and join the fight.
And yet, despite the sense of frustration among CEOs, many are still actively working on issues like voting rights and immigration reform. They're using their influence and resources to drive change, even if it doesn't seem like enough.
So what's driving this growing reliance on CEOs as advocates for gun reform? Sonnenfeld says it's a complex issue with deep roots in American society. "Social capital is as valuable as financial capital," he explained. "CEOs understand that in their soul, they want there to be public trust... But they need the rest of civil society to join them."
In short, America's CEOs are feeling deflated because they're waiting for others to do their part on gun control. They've been vocal advocates for years, but it seems like no one is listening. Until that changes, they'll continue to feel frustrated and helpless in the face of a growing public health crisis.
. These CEOs are basically leading the charge on gun control, but nobody's listening? It's like they're just trying to fill their own roles as leaders rather than actually making a difference.
. These CEOs are still working hard on other issues, like voting rights and immigration reform. So, I guess you could say they're trying to make a difference in their own way. But it's just frustrating when you see them pouring so much energy into one cause that doesn't seem to be getting any attention.
, but I think we need more people stepping up and listening to these CEOs. We can't just leave them hanging while they try to fix things on their own. Maybe if more people joined in, they'd actually start making some progress.
. Like I get it, CEOs have been trying super hard to push for gun reform and stuff, but it's just not happening 
. They've been using their big company influence and all that jazz to try and make a difference, but nobody seems to be listening 
. It's like they're the only ones who care about this issue... which is definitely not true 
.
. But still, I think CEOs should just keep pushing and trying, because that's what they're there for 
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. Can't we all just agree to make gun control happen? It's like, basic human decency 
. Until then, I'll just be over here cheering on my fave companies that care about this issue 
.
. I get why they'd feel that way though - it's frustrating when you know you're doing your part, but others aren't matching your level of commitment. What I wish is that we can get some real action from lawmakers instead of just CEOs talking about it... 
] i think its kinda ironic how americas top CEOs are feeling deflated about gun control... dont get me wrong, they should be doing more 
but its like theyre running around trying to fill everyones shoes in this issue 
. sonnenfelds point is spot on - social capital is just as important as financial one 
and its not just about the CEOs' influence, its about how society as a whole comes together to demand change 
. until then, its just gonna be hard for CEOs (and anyone else) to make progress 
that's gotta count for something 
. And honestly, I get it - they've been trying for years and it feels like no one's listening 
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. They are using their influence and resources to drive change, even if it doesn't seem like enough 
.
. CEOs want public trust, but they need civil society to join them in the fight 
.
. But I guess this is what happens when you're waiting for others to step up and take action 
. Still, it's heartening to see CEOs continue to advocate for gun reform, even if they feel like they're not getting the traction they need 
... what happened to all those big corps joining forces to push for gun reform? 
did they think their voices would be enough on their own? 
... theyre not just corporate leaders, theyve got souls too 
. these ceos are just trying to do their part, but they can't do it alone 
. i think thats why they're feeling deflated, because they know its not just about them, its about a bigger system 
... and thats what makes it so hard to break through 
But, on the other hand... maybe they shouldn't be relying so heavily on their influence and resources to push for gun reform? Like, shouldn't they just wait for lawmakers to take action? 
we spent like 3 days wine tasting and it was literally the best time ever 
i mean can you believe there are still places in america where you can just drive around all day and enjoy the scenery? it's so refreshing to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a bit. anyway back to gun control... i don't get why it has to be this way. can't we all just get along and find a solution that works for everyone? 
️.
. That shows they're not just phoning it in - they genuinely care about creating positive change in America 
.
. It's like they're being asked to fill the role of politicians and civic leaders, but they can't do that on their own 
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), we didn't need a bunch of rich folks to tell us what's good for us. We had community leaders, activists, and everyday people who just wanted to make a difference.
. What did you expect, CEOs? That everyone would magically start caring about gun control just because you're rich and powerful?
. We need community leaders, activists, and everyday people to join the fight 
.