Staff Reports
Coca-Cola is stumbling down the path of political correctness after some eagle-eyed social media users discovered that the company is refusing to allow personalized cans with messages like “Trump 2024” and “Jesus loves you.” Instead, this beloved American beverage is allowing messages that support Vice President Kamala Harris, and even those that mention Satan and Allah. Apparently, in the world of Coke, some figures are just a little more “approved” than others.
The ridiculousness of this situation is hard to overlook. While folks managed to get messages supporting the political ambitions of Harris or even a nice shout-out to Satan on their cans, they faced rejection for attempting to raise the name of Trump or Jesus. This prompted quite a stir online, as images shared by Libs of TikTok showed messages that clearly indicate Coke has a bias—one that favors the left and leaves conservative and Christian messages out in the cold.
So the Coca Cola can customizer allows "praise satan" but not "God Loves You". #BoycottCocaCola pic.twitter.com/HHsWyJF03X
— Charlie James 🇺🇲 (@CharlieOnAir) September 24, 2024
In this age of cancel culture, it seems Coca-Cola is trying to play both sides—except they are failing miserably at it. The company claimed there was a “glitch” that allowed certain political and religious messages but quickly shut down the good news if it came from the right. If you try to personalize a can with a pro-Trump or Christian message, you are promptly met with a digital door slam that suggests your request is “not approved.” A no on good ol’ Jesus but a yes for not-so-jolly old Satan? The irony is hard to swallow.
Amid the backlash, comments erupted from frustrated consumers. Some are suggesting that it might be time for Coke to experience the same backlash that Bud Light faced when it dabbled in social issues. Supporters of Jesus and Trump have rallying cries for a full-blown boycott. Should the American people continue to buy a product that seems to be at war with the values that many hold dear? The outrage is not just an online echo chamber; it’s a potent reminder of how many are ready to take a stand against companies that act as cultural gatekeepers.
A video posted shows a user trying to personalize his can with messages of love for Jesus, only to receive a rejection. Yet mentions of Allah or even Satan were welcomed with open arms. Nothing like a soda company picking sides in a battle of ideologies, while the average American just wants to enjoy a fizzy beverage. The company’s attempts to justify their selection process by invoking trademarks, cultural sensitivity, and political neutrality fall flat. The real question is, who’s watching the watchers, and does Coca-Cola really think they can ignore the voice of the people?
As the calls for a boycott gain momentum, it’s clear that Americans have the right to choose where they spend their money. Will Coca-Cola continue this foolishness or recalculate its messaging strategy? The true test lies ahead—will they stand with the values of their diverse customer base, or will they keep rolling down this slippery slope of selective approval? Stay tuned; this is one fizzling debate that will either burst or pop with flavor in a very different direction.
