Millennials may remember the outrage over the addition of a skin tone modifier to the classic yellow emoji faces. But now, it seems the snowflakes of Generation Z have found a new battle to fight in the emoji world – the addition of Tide Pods symbols.
Yes, you read that right. The same Tide Pods that caused a frenzy on social media with viral challenges and countless memes. These detergent-filled packets are now being advocated for as emojis by the easily offended youth.
But why, you ask? Well, according to these sensitive individuals, the classic “thumbs up” emoji is offensive and outdated. They claim that it is often used in a sarcastic or passive-aggressive manner and therefore, should be replaced with a more positive and relatable symbol.
And what could be more positive and relatable than eating Tide Pods, right? Wrong. This new addition to the Unicode standard is just another example of how the younger generation is being coddled and catered to, with no regard for common sense or safety.
But it doesn’t stop there. In their quest for inclusion and representation, they have also demanded Tide Pods emojis in different colors, mimicking the icons for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Because who doesn’t want to represent their preferred internet browser with a laundry detergent packet?
Not to mention, symbols depicting a person chewing on pods and one with a person passing out from laundry detergent poisoning have also been added. Because apparently, glorifying and making light of dangerous and harmful activities is just what this world needs more of.
While some may argue that emojis are just silly symbols and not worth getting worked up over, it’s important to recognize the larger issue at hand. The constant need to cater to the easily offended and the dangerous trend of Tide Pods consumption among young people.
So let’s not give in to these demands and instead, focus on real issues and finding solutions that benefit society as a whole. And for the love of all that is sane, let’s leave Tide Pods where they belong – in the laundry room.
