The TikTok Backlash That Revealed America’s Uncomfortable Truths
The Lackluster Juneteenth Cakes That Sparked a TikTok Backlash
In a surprising twist, Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes have become the unlikely stars of a viral TikTok controversy. The grocery store’s lackluster cake designs, which were recently spotted at an Atlanta location, have left many scratching their heads and wondering why retailers continue to get it so wrong.
The video that sparked the backlash shows several plain-looking cakes adorned with minimal decorations, including lettering that reads “Free @ last,” “June 19 free,” and a simple “Free.” The sheer lack of creativity in these designs has left fans of TikTok creator @blaq.monalisa scratching their heads, wondering why Kroger wouldn’t bother to put more thought into their Juneteenth offerings.
“What is the point of even having a Juneteenth cake if you’re just going to slap some half-hearted design on it?” asks @blaq.monalisa in her caption. “Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity?” Her scathing review has racked up over 10 million views, with many fans agreeing that Kroger’s approach falls woefully short of expectations.
This isn’t the first time a retailer has missed the mark on Juneteenth celebrations. Last year, Walmart’s 2022 Juneteenth ice cream was hastily pulled from stores after sparking widespread criticism for its lack of thoughtfulness and cultural sensitivity.
So what’s behind Kroger’s apparent disregard for Juneteenth traditions? Was it a case of overconfidence in their designs, or simply a case of not caring enough to put in the extra effort?
The fact that Kroger removed the cakes from sale after @blaq.monalisa’s video went viral suggests that they may have realized too late that their designs weren’t meeting expectations. But did it come too little, too late? And what will this incident teach retailers about Juneteenth celebrations moving forward?
As we reflect on Kroger’s mishap, one thing is clear: Juneteenth is a holiday that deserves more than just half-hearted attempts at cultural sensitivity. It requires thoughtfulness, creativity, and a willingness to listen to feedback from the community. As @blaq.monalisa so aptly put it, “This is a mockery!” Let’s hope that retailers will take this as a wake-up call and strive to do better next year.
What Do You Think? Should Retailers Take Juneteenth Celebrations More Seriously?
As we consider Kroger’s mishap, we want to hear from you: What should retailers be doing to show respect for Juneteenth traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!