When it comes to celebrating Juneteenth, one would think that cake decorations would be a piece of cake—in both flavor and aesthetics. But alas, a recent trip to Kroger has sent shockwaves through social media, igniting laughter and disbelief over a cake design that might as well have been whipped up by a toddler. Picture this: a cake plastered with the words “Free at Last” that somehow manages to look both festive and utterly tragic at the same time. It’s like someone at Kroger thought, “Let’s dunk this cake into a brightly painted pool of cliches and call it a day!”

Now, for those who don’t know, Juneteenth is a significant celebration—marking the day when the last enslaved Americans were finally told they were free. It’s a moment of joy, reflection, and, let’s be real, a good excuse to dig into some delicious food. Instead, what did we get? A cake that screams, “I promise I tried my best!” but really should have been shelved in the “Do Not Eat” aisle. And can we talk about the decorations? Apparently, a watermelon and a side of confusion were on the grocery list for Juneteenth aesthetics. Because nothing says freedom quite like the stale idea of watermelon jokes, right?

The comedic duo discussing this cake debacle hit all the right notes. They expressed what a lot of folks were thinking: why did it feel like Kroger just pulled a practical joke on everyone? With Fourth of July products overflowing the shelves and our Juneteenth cake looking more like a left-over science project, it’s hard not to feel disrespected. It’s a classic case of, “We just want one moment to celebrate creatively, and you hit us with… that?” It’s as if the marketing department threw a dart at a board covered in stereotypes and landed on something entirely unappetizing.

And let’s address the deeper issue here. If a big-name chain like Kroger can’t manage a simple cake design for a holiday celebrating freedom and unity, what’s going on behind the scenes? Are they out there believing that throwing a couple of bright decorations on a bland cookie doesn’t require any thought? Newsflash: It does! The most bizarre part is that they surely have better cake designs for other holidays. Couldn’t they put in a smidge of effort for this occasion? Instead, we’re left feeling like we’re celebrating the memo of emancipation, while those who still own the recipe are out here looking for excuses.

Moreover, what about the concept of boycotting Kroger? Sure, it’s tempting to get riled up and demand change, but let’s get realistic. Do we really think that skipping one grocery run is going to change the hearts and minds of corporate America? It sounds more effective to just calmly roast them on social media and hope for better decor next year. If we hope to see some unique designs that actually reflect the richness of Black history, we might be better off sending in our own cake ideas. After all, who wouldn’t want to DIY their own slice of freedom?

In the grand scheme of things, this cake drama highlights how even the most significant cultural celebrations can fall prey to tone-deaf corporate marketing. And while it’s hilarious to poke fun at the absurdity, it’s also a serious reminder to hold these corporations accountable. Next time, let’s hope Kroger remembers that Juneteenth honors freedom, unity, and celebration—not a missed opportunity masked by a poorly executed design. Until then, they better brace themselves for some creative feedback from both sides of the aisle!