The silence from corporate America following the latest school shooting in Nashville is jarring, especially given their history of advocating for gun control. In recent years, CEOs have repeatedly spoken out on the issue, even going so far as to call it a "public health crisis" and demanding legislative action.
Despite their previous efforts, however, top executives seem to be growing increasingly frustrated. Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct lines to major CEOs worldwide, says they're feeling let down by the lack of progress on gun control legislation. They've already made significant contributions to the cause, but without more backing from elected officials and the broader public, they don't know what else they can do.
Sonnenfeld argues that corporate America's reliance on them as advocates has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, CEOs have been willing to take a strong stance on issues like gun control, often leading the charge and pushing for change. On the other hand, this expectation of leadership from business leaders is taking its toll.
"The social change that happened in the 1960s wasn't being led primarily by CEOs," Sonnenfeld says. "Social changes really happened when we saw the interfaith activity of clergy locking arms and canvassing legislators. We saw campuses alive and aroused. Where's all the student activism?"
In essence, CEOs are feeling frustrated because they've already taken a significant role in shaping public opinion on gun control, but their efforts haven't yielded the desired results. They're waiting for others – including elected officials, civic leaders, and individual citizens – to join them in advocating for change.
The irony is that despite the growing power of corporate America as a force for social change, its influence has not translated into concrete legislative action on gun control. Instead, the silence from CEOs following another mass shooting serves as a stark reminder of just how far they've come alone in pushing the issue forward.
Despite their previous efforts, however, top executives seem to be growing increasingly frustrated. Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who has direct lines to major CEOs worldwide, says they're feeling let down by the lack of progress on gun control legislation. They've already made significant contributions to the cause, but without more backing from elected officials and the broader public, they don't know what else they can do.
Sonnenfeld argues that corporate America's reliance on them as advocates has become a double-edged sword. On one hand, CEOs have been willing to take a strong stance on issues like gun control, often leading the charge and pushing for change. On the other hand, this expectation of leadership from business leaders is taking its toll.
"The social change that happened in the 1960s wasn't being led primarily by CEOs," Sonnenfeld says. "Social changes really happened when we saw the interfaith activity of clergy locking arms and canvassing legislators. We saw campuses alive and aroused. Where's all the student activism?"
In essence, CEOs are feeling frustrated because they've already taken a significant role in shaping public opinion on gun control, but their efforts haven't yielded the desired results. They're waiting for others – including elected officials, civic leaders, and individual citizens – to join them in advocating for change.
The irony is that despite the growing power of corporate America as a force for social change, its influence has not translated into concrete legislative action on gun control. Instead, the silence from CEOs following another mass shooting serves as a stark reminder of just how far they've come alone in pushing the issue forward.
I mean, you'd think that with all the clout those big CEOs have, they'd be able to push for some actual change 
. Like, what's up? They're already saying it's a public health crisis and stuff, so you'd think their influence would carry more weight 
. But honestly, it feels like they're just waiting around for someone else to pick up the torch 
.
, but I kinda expect CEOs to be leading the charge on something as important as gun control 
. Like, shouldn't we be seeing more of a collective effort from all sides? 
.
. Maybe the problem is that it's not enough 
? Like, where's all the student activism he mentioned in that article? 
That's what I want to see more of – a groundswell of people demanding action 
!
I'm lowkey disappointed in the corporate giants rn 
. I mean, they're already making a big impact on the whole gun control thing, but it feels like they're getting frustrated that others aren't stepping up their game 
. Like, CEOs are literally doing the heavy lifting here and still nobody's getting off the bench 
? It's all well and good when they're using their influence to speak out, but what happens when the public isn't responding? 
. It's like they think their big business influence is gonna magically change laws or something. Newsflash: it ain't that easy 
.
. We need to see more action from all sides before we can say that anyone is actually making a difference 
... it's like, I get it, corporate America has been vocal about gun control before, but now they're feeling let down because nothing is changing 
... when are we gonna come together as a society to make real change? 
I wish more people would join the conversation and push for legislative action, just like those clergy back in the 60s did 
... it's time for us all to step up and advocate for what's right 
️.
On the other hand, Sonnenfeld's point about social change happening through grassroots movements and interfaith activism is super valid... but doesn't that also mean CEOs are just kinda... waiting around for others to do their job? 
I don't know, man. It's all so confusing 
corporate america is literally letting down 
gun control is such an important issue 
and yet top execs are getting frustrated 
from students and clergy 
they're not just leaders, they're also expected to be politicians 
and it got me thinking... have you ever noticed how graffiti can transform entire neighborhoods? It's like, suddenly there's this whole new energy and vibe to a place. Anyway, back to the topic at hand - I'm really disappointed that corporate America isn't doing more to push for gun control legislation. I mean, they've been vocal about it in the past, but now it seems like they're just waiting around for others to take action.
.
... I mean, I get that it's frustrating, but can't they just take a step back and realize that this isn't their problem alone? It's like they're expecting the rest of us to be their personal army for change 
. The irony is, we've been waiting for these same leaders to make a difference, and what do we get? Crickets 
.
) with limited influence and resources. And honestly, their power comes from being part of this societal conversation that needs more than just corporate America to drive change. We need our politicians, activists, and everyday citizens to join the fight 
.