Woman's complaint against Hobby Lobby over 'racist' cotton display ignites controversy
By Leada Gore [email protected]

A Facebook post taking Hobby Lobby to task for a display that included cotton plants is igniting its own controversy.

Late last week, Daniell Rider of Killeen, Texas posted a photo and a message to the craft chain's Facebook page, saying the decorative cotton in a glass vase was "so wrong on so many levels." Cotton was a prime export of the pre-Civil War South.

"There is nothing decorative about raw cotton. A commodity which was gained at the expense of African-American slaves," she wrote. "A little sensitivity goes a long way. Please remove this decor."

The post has since been shared almost 15,000 times, has 69,000 reactions and 158,000 comments, many of which are defending the display.

"It's a plant. Chill," one person said.

"All those who are offended my cotton being a decoration need to quit buying any product made of cotton!" another added. "What difference does it make if it's a decoration or part of a product. You're being hypocritical if your offended by cotton being a decoration and not offended by any product made of cotton."

University president apologizes

In another cotton controversy, the president of Nashville's Lipscomb University offered an apology offered an apology after cotton stalks were used in a centerpiece at a dinner at his home for African-American students. After the dinner, a student complained on social media that the centerpiece was offensive.

In a statement, Lipscomb President Randy Lowry said he could have handled the dinner "with more sensitivity."

"I sincerely apologize for the discomfort, anger or disappointment we caused and solicit your forgiveness," Lowry said.