TikTok Cakes Spark Outrage Over Juneteenth Celebration
The Lackluster Juneteenth Cakes of Kroger: A Viral Backlash
On June 18, a TikTok video went viral, showcasing a series of underwhelming Juneteenth cakes for sale at a Kroger store in Atlanta, Georgia. The video, which has garnered over ten million views as of June 20, sparked widespread criticism and outrage among viewers, with many taking to the comments to express their disappointment and frustration.
The cakes, which were displayed prominently at the store’s bakery, featured plain designs that seemed to lack any real creativity or thoughtfulness. Lettering that read “Free @ last,” “June 19 free,” and simply “Free” adorned the top of each cake, giving off a sense of blandness and laziness. It was clear that the cakes were not put together with much care or attention to detail, and it’s surprising that Kroger would release such products for sale.
One user, @blaq.monalisa, who shared the video, seemed particularly incensed by the lackluster designs. “This is a mockery!” they wrote in the caption. “Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity?” The comment has sparked a heated debate about the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when it comes to significant holidays like Juneteenth.
The backlash against Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes has been swift and severe, with many users calling for greater accountability from the company. “This is funny but NOT funny,” one person wrote in the comments. “I’m highly disappointed in Kroger.” Others have compared this incident to past years of retailers missing the mark on important holidays, such as Walmart’s 2022 Juneteenth ice cream that was pulled from stores.
The consequences of Kroger’s actions are still unclear, but it’s clear that the company has faced a significant backlash online. The cakes have since been removed from sale at the store, but the question remains: what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future? As we approach next year’s Juneteenth celebrations, one thing is certain – retailers will need to do better if they want to avoid another viral backlash.
In conclusion, Kroger’s lackluster Juneteenth cakes are a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when it comes to significant holidays. As we move forward, it’s crucial that companies like Kroger take a more thoughtful approach to celebrating these important occasions, lest they face another viral backlash. Will retailers learn from their mistakes, or will we see another year of underwhelming holiday displays? Only time will tell.