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The Internet Is Trolling Target, And Yes, It's Because Of The DEI Controversy

Ashley Holt
·2-min read

Soon after Donald Trump took office, Target and other large companies decided to roll back their DEI initiatives. In response to the popular retailer's decision, people have decided to either boycott or stop shopping at Target stores altogether. And people on the internet are letting the retailer know how they feel by trolling Target in their social media comments.

Congresswoman AOC on a livestream with a playful expression
Congresswoman AOC on a livestream with a playful expression

They've swarmed several recent videos posted on Target's TikTok account and talked about how much they love their competitor Costco, who doubled down on its DEI initiatives. This video went viral with 2.2 million views, and the comments are out of control.

Person washing hands at a kitchen sink, with soap bottle and towels on the countertop
Person washing hands at a kitchen sink, with soap bottle and towels on the countertop

People completely dismissed the premise of the video to share their alternate shopping plans. "Heading to Costco, you need anything?" this person asked.

A social media comment reads: "Heading to Costco, you need anything?" with 43.7K likes and 2-24 replies
A social media comment reads: "Heading to Costco, you need anything?" with 43.7K likes and 2-24 replies

"Headed to Costco to diversify my spending," this person declared.

Comment from Brandon B: "Headed to Costco to diversify my spending." Dated 2-26 with 3,592 likes
Comment from Brandon B: "Headed to Costco to diversify my spending." Dated 2-26 with 3,592 likes

"So target is 5 minutes away & Costco's 30 min. The way my DEI is setup I'll be going to Costco's," this person shared.

Comment about choosing Costco over Target due to distance, humorously mentioning DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) as a reason for choice
Comment about choosing Costco over Target due to distance, humorously mentioning DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) as a reason for choice

"Coming to this comment section to see the spectacular sales that Costco is having," this person said.

Comment about visiting the section to see Costco's spectacular sales, with heart-eye emojis
Comment about visiting the section to see Costco's spectacular sales, with heart-eye emojis

"Watching this while eating a Costco hot dog," this person shared.

Comment by TravisB: "Watching this while eating a Costco hot dog." It has received 24.2K likes
Comment by TravisB: "Watching this while eating a Costco hot dog." It has received 24.2K likes

"I parked in the target parking lot today, to write out my Costco shopping list," this person said.

Comment by Emily: "I parked in the Target parking lot today, to write out my Costco shopping list." Likes: 13.3K
Comment by Emily: "I parked in the Target parking lot today, to write out my Costco shopping list." Likes: 13.3K

"I'd walk 10 miles to Costco before I drive a mile to Target. They never run out of inclusion over there," this person joked.

Social media comment praising Costco for its inclusion, humorously comparing it to Target
Social media comment praising Costco for its inclusion, humorously comparing it to Target

And some people just had straight-up smoke for Target. "The comment section got more visits then the stores," this person laughed.

Comment by April Tucker: "The comment section got more visits than the stores," followed by laughing emojis
Comment by April Tucker: "The comment section got more visits than the stores," followed by laughing emojis

"For a company named Target, you sure do miss, huh?" this person asked.

Comment on social media reads: "For a company named Target, you sure do miss, huh?"
Comment on social media reads: "For a company named Target, you sure do miss, huh?"

In a memo to Target employees, Kiera Fernandez, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, said, "Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy... And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future.”

Target retail store entrance on a city street, with people walking on the sidewalk
Target retail store entrance on a city street, with people walking on the sidewalk

What do you think? Does Target deserve all this internet trolling? Let us know in the comments.

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