In recent years, it seems that some companies just don’t learn from the mistakes of others. Ben and Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream brand known for its woke activism, joined the ranks of Bud Light, Kohls, and Target with a divisive tweet on Independence Day. This far-left company, founded by two hippies named Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in the 1970s, took to Twitter to rain on everyone’s parade and inject politics into a day meant for unity and celebration.
While Ben and Jerry’s has gained notoriety for its outrageously priced ice cream flavors, their brand of activism has overshadowed their frozen treats. In the past, they even sued their parent company, Unilever, in an attempt to block the sale of their products in the West Bank. Their use of Twitter as a platform for promoting anti-American, anti-police, and anti-capitalism narratives is well-documented. Back in 2016, the company declared, “all lives will not matter until Black lives matter.” While this sentiment was met with little backlash at the time, times have changed.
American consumers have grown tired of the incessant wokeness preached by these companies. Recent successful boycotts of Target, Kohls, and Bud Light have demonstrated that consumers hold the power to make a difference with their wallets. It is becoming clear that these companies are more interested in virtue signaling than genuinely supporting causes like LGBTQ rights, environmental preservation, or even their own customers who make their profits skyrocket.
The Fourth of July is a rare holiday that brings people together, regardless of religious or mythical beliefs. Families and friends gather to enjoy barbecues, parades, and fireworks while commemorating the bravery of our founding fathers. However, Ben and Jerry saw fit to use this occasion as an opportunity for virtue signaling and to tarnish a fun and patriotic holiday.
In a tweet that symbolized their disdain for the country that made them wealthy, Ben and Jerry’s proclaimed, “The US was founded on stolen Indigenous land.” They further insisted on returning the land, focusing on Mount Rushmore as a starting point. While it is undeniable that early explorers, like Native American tribes, engaged in the conquest and claiming of land, it is misleading to label it as theft. The actions of these early explorers were not unique; they were simply following a pattern that had occurred for centuries before their arrival. The concept of stolen land oversimplifies a complex history.
Predictably, the backlash to Ben and Jerry’s tweet was swift and severe. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s press secretary succinctly responded, “No, it doesn’t.” Many others called for a boycott, with country star John Rich tweeting, “Make Ben and Jerry’s Bud Light again.” Social media was flooded with angry comments, expressing a desire to see the company face the consequences of their divisive rhetoric.
Like Bud Light, which faced a similar fate due to a plethora of alternative beer options, Ben and Jerry’s may find themselves on the receiving end of a consumer-led backlash. There are plenty of other ice cream brands that offer quality products at more reasonable prices. Hopefully, American consumers will rally together, using their purchasing power to hold Ben and Jerry’s accountable.
In conclusion, Ben and Jerry’s decision to inject divisive politics into the Fourth of July celebration has not been well-received. American consumers are growing tired of woke activism overshadowing the values of unity and patriotism. Companies like Ben and Jerry’s should take note of the potential consequences and remember that their success is built on the support of the American people.
