A Texas woman is facing some harsh criticism online after a Facebook post in which she complained about the cotton decor at a Hobby Lobby store.
The woman, Daniell Rider, posted on Sept. 14 about items she apparently saw at one of the craft chain’s locations. She called the decorative cotton stalks “wrong on so many levels” and noted that cotton was “gained at the expense of African-American slaves.”
Rider, who is black, asked the store to remove the items.
In an interview with KCEN-TV, Rider explained that cotton “represents a time of oppression for my people.”
“I wasn’t trying to be divisive,” Rider told KCEN-TV. “If I was trying to be divisive I would’ve talked about the world, race relations. I am simply a consumer talking to a retailer. And, all I said was I found something offensive.”
Hobby Lobby sells numerous home decor items featuring cotton, including stems ($6.99), garland ($20), and a bouquet ($15.99).
In less than a week, the post has been shared more than 20,000 times and has more than 217,000 comments.
One user commented, “It’s a plant. Chill.”
One person commented saying the complaint was “the dumbest thing I’ve seen on FB.”
Another made a point that seemed logical: “Any of your clothing you own have cotton in it? I bet they do.”
“All those who are offended [by] cotton being a decoration need to quit buying any product made of cotton!” another added. “What difference does it make if it’s a decoration or part of a product. You’re being hypocritical if your offended by cotton being a decoration and not offended by any product made of cotton.”
This is not the first time a cotton item has caused an uproar.
Just less than a week ago Lipscomb University president Randy Lowry was forced to send an apology letter to African American students after they visited his home to discuss college life.
But the students reportedly became outraged by a number of cotton-stem pieces that the president had set up around the home.
“The content of the centerpieces was offensive, and I could have handled the situation with more sensitivity,” Lowry wrote. “I sincerely apologize for the discomfort, anger or disappointment we caused and solicit your forgiveness.”
Watch the video report below for more details:
Sources: OpposingViews, Daily Mail, KCEN-TV