Social Media Etiquette: Chick-fil-A Backlash Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments
Social Media Etiquette: Chick-fil-A Backlash Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments In this project, I analyzed the backlash Chick-fil-A faced after its president, Dan Cathy, made public comments opposing same-sex marriage in 2012. His statements, shared in interviews and spread quickly across social media, sparked nationwide protests and boycotts, especially from LGBTQ+ communities and allies. This case shows how a professional’s personal opinions—when shared publicly—can affect an entire company’s reputation. While Cathy didn’t post directly on social media, the internet amplified his message, proving that digital platforms have a powerful impact. The situation could have been handled differently. For example, Cathy could have shared messages that reflected inclusivity or simply avoided discussing such sensitive topics in a corporate context. After the backlash, the company took some steps to address the issue, including changing its donation practice...
