Bulwark Takes MAGA Becomes the Cancel Culture Mob
Aug 28, 2025
JVL and Sarah Longwell dive into the uproar over Cracker Barrel's logo change and its unexpected impact on corporate branding and stock values. They dissect how this seemingly trivial issue reflects broader cultural tensions and influence from political figures like Trump. The discussion examines how companies navigate cultural battlegrounds and the consequences of shifting public sentiment. They also connect these controversies to larger themes of authoritarianism and mob mentality, raising questions about democracy in today's climate.
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Personal Cracker Barrel Memory
- JVL recalls growing up near Cracker Barrel and preferring Bob Evans for breakfast sausage and gravy.
- He describes the classic Cracker Barrel experience with rocking chairs and a market while waiting in line on Sunday mornings.
Brand Equity Trumps Design Trends
- JVL argues that the logo change mattered mostly because it upset the chain's core customers and hit the stock price.
- He says companies sometimes revert to protect brand equity when customer backlash signals a strategic misstep.
Reverse A Harmful Redesign Quickly
- Change back if customers and markets punish a redesign; preserve the main brand identity.
- Offer the new mark as a secondary or product-specific logo to test adoption without risking core equity.