Cakes and Controversy: The Unlikely Union of Social Media and Retail
Kroger Juneteenth Cakes Spark Outrage on TikTok
In a shocking display of corporate misstep, Kroger recently found itself at the center of a viral controversy on TikTok. The grocery store’s lackluster Juneteenth cakes sparked widespread outrage and ridicule among social media users, leaving many to wonder if the company’s efforts were nothing more than a tokenistic attempt to capitalize on a cultural holiday.
The video that set off the firestorm was recorded at a Kroger location in Atlanta, Georgia, where several cake designs were on display. According to the TikTok creator who shared the footage, the cakes featured plain designs, including lettering that said “Free @ last,” “June 19 free,” and one that simply said, “Free.” The creator, @blaq.monalisa, described the designs as a “mockery” of the holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
“Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity?” @blaq.monalisa wrote in the caption of the video. “This is some bulls—,” they added. The user also mentioned that there were no managers present at the time, but planned to return to the store the following day to speak with one. Their plan seemed to work, as the creator later shared a follow-up video stating that the cakes were no longer available for purchase.
The backlash against Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes was swift and merciless. Social media users took to the comments to express their outrage, with many comparing it unfavorably to past years of retailers missing the mark on the holiday. For example, some pointed out that Walmart had attempted to capitalize on Juneteenth in 2022 by selling ice cream – a move that was met with widespread criticism and eventually resulted in the product being pulled from stores.
So what can be learned from this incident? It highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration when it comes to cultural holidays like Juneteenth. While companies may have good intentions, a lack of creativity and attention to detail can lead to missteps that offend and alienate customers. As one user put it, “If you didn’t bring up juneteenth I would’ve thought it was a welcome home from jail cake.” This question echoes through the controversy surrounding Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes: what does it say about a company when its efforts feel like an afterthought?
The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in holding companies accountable. While TikTok may have been the platform where this controversy gained traction, it’s clear that @blaq.monalisa and other users played a significant role in amplifying their concerns. In an age where online engagement and outrage can be fleeting, it’s heartening to see individuals using their platforms to speak truth to power – even when it comes at the expense of a large corporation like Kroger.
As we move forward from this incident, it will be interesting to see how Kroger responds to the criticism. Will they make amends by revamping their Juneteenth offerings? Or will this serve as another example of corporate neglect in the digital age? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: when companies fail to get cultural holidays right, it’s a moment that can’t be easily forgotten.