DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on October 5, 2024
In Texas, a bakery called Hive Bakery is facing a lot of hate after making cookies with the picture of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is a Democratic vice-presidential candidate for 2024. Owner Haley Popp shared photos of the cookies on Instagram, but instead of praise, she received terrible backlash, including death threats. This situation shows how divided the United States has become.
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Popp is known for her delicious cookies and even won awards for her baking. She has made cookies featuring other political figures in the past, including Vice President Kamala Harris. But after sharing her Tim Walz cookies, the backlash grew. Many people on a local Facebook group called “Flower Mound Cares” started posting hateful comments. Some users went so far as to say that the bakery and “all the gay people in it” should burn. Popp was shocked and scared, prompting her to contact the police for help.
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This incident is not unique. In recent years, businesses supporting Democrats have faced threats and anger. For example, in 2020, Three Brothers Bakery in Houston sold cookies with Joe Biden’s face on them. They also received some negative feedback, but nothing compared to what Popp is facing now. Why is this happening?
A big part of the problem is the extreme language used by politicians. Donald Trump and many Republican leaders often create a hostile environment, blaming Democrats for various issues in the country. Trump has a history of encouraging his supporters to lash out at anyone who disagrees with them. For example, during the 2016 election, he famously said “lock her up” about Hillary Clinton. This kind of talk creates division and makes it hard for people to talk respectfully about politics.
Popp has made it clear that she won’t back down. Despite the threats, she plans to keep making and selling her politically-themed cookies. “This is a typical day for me as a progressive, female business owner in Flower Mound,” she posted on Instagram. Her determination shows that she will not let hate silence her. It’s a powerful message: you cannot intimidate people just because you disagree with them.
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Many Republicans use fear to gain support. They have painted anyone who disagrees with them as an enemy. This narrative that Democrats are trying to destroy America fuels a lot of anger. For instance, many Republicans see the Black Lives Matter movement as a threat rather than a call for justice. This kind of thinking can lead to hostility and violence.
Sadly, incidents like what happened to Hive Bakery are becoming more common. People can’t even share their political beliefs without facing threats. Popp’s experience shows that the political climate is not just about ideas anymore; it can be about safety and fear. The bakery’s situation reminds us how broken our political system has become. People should be able to express their views without facing hatred or threats. A cookie should not cause such a negative reaction. Instead, it should bring people together, even if they have different opinions.
Featured image via screengrab
