As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Today, audiences are shaping the cultural agenda. Empowered to speak up for the causes they believe in, people are actively calling out brands they see as inauthentic. What are the main drivers of this behavioural shift? And how can brands win the trust of these outspoken advocates?

In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

Social justice demonstrations and a polemic 2020 election have left many people in the US examining what it means to be American, and specifically whether they’re proud of that identity. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Francesco Duina, sociology professor at Bates College, about patriotism in America today.

Patriotism is on the decline in the US as it has largely become an apparatus of partisan politicking and as young people grow skeptical of nationalism and its relation to global impact. Are generations who previously waved flags now finding like-minded individuals from around the world online?

The American Dream is changing as people redefine it in a way that prioritizes personal happiness and freedom. As society becomes increasingly polarized and at the whim of challenging economic conditions, people redefine success in a way that prioritizes comfort and contentedness.

Food collective Ghetto Gastro has releasedBlack Power Kitchen, a cookbook celebrating the culinary traditions of Black America while highlighting food’s capacity to empower. Its publication demonstrates how brands can actively engage those looking to explore the cultural heritage of food and drink.