Completely agree. In fact, that kind of external influence, and worse, is pretty much pervasive nowadays (ESG system). The thing is, what we are saying is not mutually exclusive. The cultural context is what it is, and what it has been for years now. The fact that those "motivated" actors I was talking about are even accepted, or tolerated after some time, speaks volumes. I mentioned Indiegogo and Kickstarter because I'm a comic book fan who's been pretty much forced to buy either indie comics or manga, and I've seen the way those platforms have been acting against certain authors who happen not to be perfectly aligned with the dominant intersectional approach to fiction. No spicy stuff, no extreme violent content—just regular superhero action and fantasy, yet, at best, their campaigns get shadowbanned and, at worst, they are booted from the platform.
The political and media pressure you described so well is a major direct factor, but it also had the unfortunate side effect of empowering certain kind of activist who might be able to find his/her way into a position of power at a company. When that happens, you can be sure they will act. And they will be both thorough and petty beyond belief.
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