Thanksgiving is when we open our homes, our hearts, and ourselves to share what we are so deeply thankful for in our lives. And with Walmart being the nation’s largest grocer, it felt like the right moment to share a message of inclusion, as America was becoming more divided. We created an anthemic film featuring people of all backgrounds setting aside their differences and coming together. Each person carries their own chair to a table that serves as a metaphor for the country, with the message that everyone should feel heard, welcomed and accepted, especially during the holidays. It was important for us to capture an accurate portrayal of life in America with our casting and locations. We wanted to showcase the tapestry of people and communities that make this country beautifully diverse.

The Associated Press provided this perfect summary of the cultural context of the divide in America today:

“It’s no longer just Republican vs. Democrat, or liberal vs. conservative. It’s the 1 percent vs. the 99 percent, rural vs. urban, white men against the world. Climate doubters clash with believers. Bathrooms have become battlefields, borders are battle lines. Sex and race, faith and ethnicity... the melting pot seems to be boiling over.”

Now more than ever, consumers are looking to companies to help address social issues. In fact, 51% of people believe that companies can do more to address social ills than government (source: Edelman Earned Brand Study). Yet, many large brands have attempted to address these issues and have failed, earning harsh criticism from consumers and industry observers alike.