Woman’s Facebook Post About ‘Offensive’ Hobby Lobby Decoration Sparks Controversy

Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in September 2017.

A Texas woman’s Facebook post about a decoration at Hobby Lobby sparked controversy online.

Daniell Rider of Killeen, Texas, shared a post on Hobby Lobby’s Facebook page which included a photo of glass vases housing stalks of cotton. The store is selling the cotton vases as a decoration.

“This decor is WRONG on SO many levels,” Rider wrote in her post. “There is nothing decorative about raw cotton… A commodity which was gained at the expense of African-American slaves. A little sensitivity goes a long way. PLEASE REMOVE THIS ‘decor.'”

The post quickly went viral. In less than a week, more than 210,000 people commented and nearly 20,000 shared it.

A number of viewers criticized Rider for the post, arguing that cotton itself is not offensive.

“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.”

More readers shared their thoughts on Facebook.

“People need to get over themselves and stop being so sensitive to stupid/irrelevant things!!” one user wrote. “There are far more important issues going on in our country, other then cotton on a stick!!! Sounds like someone is just looking to start something with an open Christian company, and of course get their 15 minutes of fame…pathetic!!”

“Hobby Lobby is the best hobby store around,” another commented. “Cotton is a natural product. If someone is offended by cotton, take a good look at your clothes. Probably cotton or cotton blend. Get over it. Life isn’t all fun and games. Grow up.”

“Oh please,” another user added. “Are you serious. Breathing my air is offensive. And doesn’t that sound stupid. Come on people this is a little extreme I had to read the article to find out why it was so offensive. Grow up.”

The post comes following another controversial incident in which the president of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, reportedly used cotton stalks as a centerpiece at a dinner for African-American students at his home. Several students complained about the centerpiece being offensive.

Related Posts

My parents changed the locks and threw my $1,200/month life onto the lawn. They expected me to beg—instead, I showed up with the Sheriff and a legal eviction notice for them.

Lena Whitmore knew something was wrong the moment she pulled into the driveway of the small blue rental in Dayton. After a sixteen-hour ICU shift, she expected…

Nobody came to my graduation. Days later, Mom texted me: ‘I need 2,100 for your sister’s sweet 16.’ I sent 1 dollar with a ‘Congratulations.’ Then I changed the locks. Then the police showed up. 10 Struggles Only Women With A Fuller Bust Will Relate To! Herbeauty Why Do Chicken Eggs Sometimes Look Weird? Brainberries The Weapon Of Comedy! See Top Most Poignant Ukraine War Memes Brainberries When Hollywood Was Wrong: 8 Canceled Celebrities Brainberries Falling In Love Changes Your Body And Brain In These Ways Brainberries Of All The Best Pop Music Divas, Only A Few Are Pre-Madonnas Brainberries Mila Kunis Reveals This Almost Cost Ashton Kutcher His Sight Brainberries See What Coffee She Prefers And I’ll Tell You Who She Is Herbeauty 8 Most Amazing Prehistoric Creatures That Roamed Earth! Brainberries 7 Black Hole Facts That Will Change Your View Of The Universe Brainberries Pretty Or Not: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Beauty Herbeauty 6 Things Women Found Really Attractive In The 60’s Brainberries The Upcoming Ms. Marvel Show Looks Very Promising Brainberries Gorgeous Asian Actresses All Men Are Crazy About Brainberries How You Can Reduce Your Beauty-Related Waste Herbeauty

The day Camila Reed earned her master’s degree should have been proof that she existed—fully, undeniably—but the empty seats at her graduation said otherwise. Still, she went…

I Let My Homeless Stepmother Move In—Then She Vanished Without a Word

When my father died, I thought the hardest part would be grief. I was wrong. The real shock came when the will was read. After twenty-five years…

‘You’re boring, and you smell like breast milk,’ my husband sneered as he packed his

I stared out at the city skyline, its twinkling lights masking the storm raging inside me. “Yes, Dad. It’s time,” I said, my voice steady despite the…

The Tattoo on His Arm Made a Little Boy Whisper My Dad Has-

It was a quiet morning patrol in Portland, the kind with no sirens or adrenaline, just the steady rhythm of boots on the sidewalk and polite nods…

I sold my stepdaughter’s dog for quick cash. 24 hours later,the “truth” destroyed everything I thought I knew.

My first mistake was believing I could fix a grieving home by erasing what came before me. When I married Julian and moved into the house he…