CEOs are tired of being held responsible for gun regulation | CNN Business

Corporate America's gun control silence is a stark reminder that the US has become increasingly reliant on CEOs to take a stand on social issues. What was once seen as a powerful tool for social change has now been reduced to one group of people trying to fill the void left by others.

Once, corporate leaders were vocal about gun violence, calling it a "public health crisis" and pushing for legislation. However, since the latest mass shooting in Nashville, the silence from major CEOs is deafening. Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld attributes this to CEOs feeling frustrated and helpless, as they've been doing the heavy lifting on social issues while others remain silent.

It's not just that CEOs are quieter; it's also that their influence has diminished. Despite their financial muscle, they're not the primary donors to politicians as they once were, especially since 2020. The 2021 US Capitol riot saw a significant decrease in campaign contributions from big businesses. Instead of CEOs being at the forefront, social movements and activism are now taking center stage.

The issue isn't that CEOs are advocating for gun control; it's that they're waiting for others to join them. Sonnenfeld believes that social capital is as valuable as financial capital, and CEOs need the rest of civil society to support their efforts. The silence from major CEOs on this issue is telling – they've already taken a strong stance but now feel like they're not being heard.

Tesla's latest earnings report showed modest sales growth in the first quarter, despite price cuts and Elon Musk's claims of strong demand for its lower-priced vehicles. However, it seems that talk of strong demand from Tesla executives may be overstated, with the company producing more cars than it has sold over the last 12 months.

As a result, CEOs are feeling like they're not making an impact on gun control legislation without broader societal support. The notion that CEOs can single-handedly drive change is starting to wear off, and they're realizing that social issues require collective effort from across society.

You know, this whole thing about corporate America's silence on gun control just feels like a microcosm of our country's politics . It's all about the power shift – from CEOs being the ones to speak out and drive change to activists and social movements taking center stage . And let's be real, it's not like these CEOs are just quiet, they're actively choosing not to get involved in what feels like a losing battle .

It's interesting that Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is saying that social capital is now more valuable than financial capital – and I think that makes total sense. If CEOs want to make an impact on gun control, they need the rest of us to be behind them. But what about all those times when CEOs were vocal about social issues? Were those just PR stunts or genuine attempts at driving change?

You know, I was reading this article about corporate America's silence on gun control and it got me thinking... sometimes we put too much pressure on one person or group to make a difference. It's like, CEOs are already doing their part by speaking out against gun violence, but they're feeling like they need everyone else to join in so that their voice isn't lost.

It's making me think about how social change often requires a collective effort, not just one person or group. Like, if we all just stood back and waited for someone else to start the conversation, nothing would ever get done . We need to support each other and use our unique voices and perspectives to create real change.

I'm not saying CEOs aren't doing enough; I think they're already making a big impact. But it's also important to recognize that their influence is limited if we don't have others joining them in the fight.

I feel like companies are having a tough time stepping up for this issue... I get it, if everyone's not on board then it's hard to make changes, but at the same time, I wish CEOs would take the lead and just talk about it already! We need to see more action from them, you know?

I'm low-key surprised by the sudden silence from corporate America on gun control. It's like they're all waiting for someone else to take the lead . I mean, we've seen CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg and Satya Nadella using their platforms to advocate for social justice in the past, so it's weird that they're now MIA on this issue.

I think Yale prof Jeffrey Sonnenfeld hits the nail on the head when he says social capital is just as valuable as financial capital . It's like CEOs need a village to support their efforts, not just their wallet . And honestly, I get it – if they're not seeing broad societal buy-in, why bother? But at the same time, someone needs to speak up .

It's all about shifting expectations, you know? We used to expect CEOs to be the ones driving change, but now we're realizing that social issues require a collective effort . And hey, maybe this is an opportunity for other groups, like activists and community leaders, to take center stage .

I'm so bummed out when I hear about the silence from big CEOs on important issues like gun control . It's like we've lost faith in them being able to drive change all by themselves. I mean, remember when they used to be all about pushing for social justice and making a difference? Now it seems like they're just trying to fill the void left by others.

It's not that they don't care or aren't passionate about the issues, but maybe they've realized that being a CEO isn't the same as being an advocate for change. I think we need more people from all walks of life working together towards a common goal . It's not just about the money or influence; it's about using our collective voice to make a real difference.

I'm loving the idea that social capital is just as valuable as financial capital . If CEOs are waiting for others to join them, maybe we need to step up and support their efforts. Let's give them a hand, but also let's not forget that it takes a village to create real change .

OMG u guys I'm literally so done with the state of corporate America rn like what's up with all these CEOs suddenly becoming MUTE on gun control? I mean I get it, being a CEO isn't easy but come on! They're basically the ones who have been calling out gun violence as a public health crisis for years . And now that there's another mass shooting, they just... vanish . It's like they think someone else is gonna pick up where they left off? I'm low-key disappointed in them because I used to look up to some of these CEOs as leaders . But at the same time, I get it. They're feeling frustrated and helpless . Like, who doesn't, right? Anyway, this whole thing just makes me think that maybe we need more than just CEOs taking a stand on social issues... we need everyone!

idk how much longer i can believe in corporations being the only ones who care about social issues like what's up with all these big companies going silent on gun control? it's not just that they're quiet, it's that their influence is kinda waning too... remember when they used to be the first ones to speak out about stuff? now it feels like everyone else is taking center stage i mean, social movements and activism are where it's at nowadays

I think this silence from big corporate America on gun control is a wake-up call for them to step up their game . They need to remember that just because they've been vocal in the past doesn't mean they can just chill now . The fact that Elon Musk's sales talk might be exaggerated is a sign of bigger issues - CEOs think they're playing the hero but are actually just trying to save face . We need more than just corporate America's stamp of approval on gun control, we need real, grassroots movement and collective action from all sectors . The 2021 Capitol riot was a wake-up call, now it's time for CEOs to take their responsibility seriously !

I think its kinda wild how the whole corporate world has fallen silent about this gun control thing . Its like they used to be all "we gotta do something" but now they just kinda wait for others to pick up the torch . I mean, Sonnenfeld makes a point that social capital is key and CEOs need everyone else to join in on their efforts. Otherwise its just noise .

I'm low-key disappointed in the current state of corporate America's silence on gun control It feels like we're relying too much on one group of people (CEOs) to take a stand on social issues, when really it should be a collective effort from all of us . I mean, they were loud and proud about gun violence being a public health crisis back in the day, but now they just seem to be waiting for others to join them . Can't we see that social capital is just as valuable as financial capital?

I'm thinking... the problem with corporate America's silence on gun control is that it makes me wonder if their influence is really as big as we think . I mean, CEOs have always been seen as powerful voices for change, but now they seem to be waiting for others to join in. It's like they're trying to fill the void left by those who aren't speaking up, but that just highlights how divided society is . And it's not just about gun control - it's a broader issue of whether CEOs can really drive change on their own . I think we need to see more collective effort from all parts of society if we want to make progress on issues like this .

By the way, what do you guys think? Do you agree that CEOs are just waiting for others to join in on social issues, or is there something else going on here

You know, this corporate America silence on gun control is like a big ol' mirror reflecting the state of our democracy . It's time for us to realize that just 'cause someone's got deep pockets don't mean they're holding all the power . These CEOs are starting to get it – social change ain't just about one group of people shouting from the rooftops, it's about a collective effort from all corners of society .

And let's not forget, the 2021 US Capitol riot was like a wake-up call for the business world . Suddenly, they're realizing that their influence isn't as strong as they thought . It's time for CEOs to start working with activists and community leaders instead of just expecting everyone else to follow suit .

I'm not saying Elon Musk is off the hook, but if Tesla's sales aren't matching up with Musk's claims, that's a red flag . We need to see more transparency from these companies when it comes to their priorities . And for gun control advocates, it's time to step up and take over – we can't rely on just CEOs to drive change .

You know what's wild? We've become so reliant on one group of people (ceos) to make a statement about important issues. Like, remember when corporations were all about changing the world? Nowadays, it feels like they're just trying to fill the void left by others being quiet. It's like we expect them to be the heroes, but in reality, their influence has diminished. They're not as powerful as they used to be.

It's a reminder that social change requires more than just big business backing it up. We need everyone on board, and that includes our elected officials, activists, and even regular people like us. Ceos can't single-handedly drive change, but when we all come together, that's when the real magic happens

I'm getting all nostalgic thinking about the old days when corporate America used to be the driving force behind social change . Now it feels like everyone's waiting for someone else to take the lead on gun control and other pressing issues. I remember my dad talking about how corporations were once pioneers in speaking out against apartheid back in South Africa, and that was a real catalyst for change . Nowadays, it seems like CEOs are just trying to fill the void left by others not wanting to get involved . It's ironic that Elon Musk is now talking about strong demand for Tesla's lower-priced cars, but we all know how well that's panning out . The thing is, social issues need a collective effort from everyone – not just one group of people with deep pockets . It feels like we're taking a step back in terms of social responsibility and accountability... it's just so disheartening

You know what's wild? This whole corporate America silence thing feels like a classic example of the "me too" problem . CEOs are only speaking up when it's convenient for them, and now they're expecting everyone else to follow suit without lifting a finger . Newsflash: just because you're not donating to politicians doesn't mean you're not contributing to the problem of gun violence .

And don't even get me started on this whole "social capital" thing . CEOs need to stop relying on their personal influence and start demanding policy changes from lawmakers . It's time for corporations to take a collective stance on social issues, not just individual CEOs trying to save face . We need systemic change, not just empty promises from the ivory tower .

I'm really worried about this whole corporate America thing... I mean, think about it – most of these CEOs are making bank, and yet they're not using their influence to push for real change. It's like they're more concerned with their bottom line than actually doing some good.

And what's up with the price cuts at Tesla? If Elon Musk is really claiming that demand is through the roof, then why isn't he selling more cars than he's producing? I'm starting to think that CEOs are just using these "social causes" as a way to boost their public image and distract from the fact that they're not actually doing anything concrete.

I wish there was more accountability here... it feels like we're just waiting for someone, anyone, to take charge and make some real moves. But until then, I'm just gonna sit back and wait for things to change on their own

I think this is exactly what's going down . Like, we need these corporate leaders to step up and be vocal about gun control ASAP or else nobody's gonna listen . And yeah, the influence of CEOs has definitely taken a hit since 2020, especially with that whole Capitol riot thingy . It's like, they're trying to fill this void left by politicians who are just not doing enough on social issues. But at the end of the day, it's still gonna take more than just one CEO (or a few) to make real change happen . We need to see some big-name CEOs like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg using their platforms to push for gun control and get others on board !

I feel you, it's really disheartening to see big corporations remain silent on such an important issue like gun control . It's like they're waiting for others to take the lead, which is not how change happens . CEOs are still super influential and rich , but it seems like their power is slowly being taken away by social movements and activism . We need more people speaking out on this issue, not just a few who feel like they're not being heard . It's time for the rest of us to step up and demand action .

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this corporate silence on gun control . It's like they're waiting for someone else to take the lead, but what's changed? They've always been about making a profit, and if that means stepping up on social issues, why not now? I mean, Elon Musk is all over the news for his latest Tesla earnings report, but when it comes to something as important as gun control, he's mum . It's like he's trying to project this image of a hero, saving the world with his electric cars, but what about the people? I'm not buying it.

I think Sonnenfeld is right, though - CEOs can't just do it alone. They need the rest of us to support them, and that's why social movements are taking center stage . We're the ones who are pushing for change, demanding our leaders take action. The power might be in our hands now , but I wish more CEOs would join the conversation instead of just sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to make a move .