A new TikTok trend called ‘She Deserved the Purse’ has gained popularity recently, but it has taken a disheartening turn as some individuals have begun tearing open baby products in hopes of finding hidden cash left for mothers.
The trend started when Danaesha Gonzalez, a mother from Nashville, Tennessee, noticed a bag on a shelf in the baby care aisle that appeared to have been left behind by another mother. She recorded the moment and captioned it with “She deserved the purse,” implying that the bag was left behind by a mom who had to choose between treating herself to a new bag or buying necessities for her child. This video quickly went viral, garnering over 24.2 million views, and inspired viewers to give back to mothers by hiding cash inside baby products.
TikTok creator Tabitha Swatosh took inspiration from Gonzalez’s video and filmed herself going to her local Target to stash up to $50 into various items such as diapers, detergent, and formula. She expressed in the comments section of her video that she hoped her actions would inspire others to do the same.
The act of kindness showcased in these videos has resonated with viewers, many of whom have shared their own experiences of receiving similar acts of generosity. One person recalled finding $100 inside a formula box when they were struggling to afford groceries, while another shared how the trend brought warmth to their heart as a young mother who once desired a purse.
Despite the positive intentions behind the trend, it has faced criticism as some individuals have resorted to damaging baby products in search of hidden cash. TikToker Marina Gudov posted a video showing opened and ripped apart products on store shelves, highlighting the consequences of this behavior. The damaged items may be marked as do not resell and thrown out due to contamination, leading to shortages, higher demand, and ultimately higher prices for consumers.
The negative impact of the trend has not gone unnoticed by others, with one person expressing their belief in performing acts of kindness without seeking recognition online. Another individual working in retail shared how the tampered products would result in shortages and higher prices, while a parent shared their frustration at finding opened medicine for their toddler due to the trend.
As the ‘She Deserved the Purse’ trend continues to gain traction on TikTok, it is essential for participants to consider the consequences of their actions and strive to make a positive impact without causing harm to others. Acts of kindness should be genuine and thoughtful, focusing on uplifting others rather than seeking attention or validation online.
Impact of the Trend
The ‘She Deserved the Purse’ trend has had a significant impact on both participants and viewers alike. While the initial intention was to spread kindness and generosity towards mothers, the trend has taken a negative turn as some individuals have resorted to damaging products in search of hidden cash. This behavior not only undermines the original purpose of the trend but also has real-world consequences for retailers and consumers.
Lessons Learned
The backlash against the ‘She Deserved the Purse’ trend serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and responsible actions. While it is commendable to want to give back to others, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of one’s actions. Acts of kindness should be genuine, selfless, and focused on making a positive impact without causing harm or inconvenience to others.
Moving Forward
As the ‘She Deserved the Purse’ trend continues to unfold on TikTok, it is essential for participants to reflect on the true meaning of kindness and generosity. Instead of seeking validation or attention online, individuals should strive to make a meaningful and positive impact in the lives of others. By approaching acts of kindness with sincerity and thoughtfulness, we can create a more compassionate and empathetic online community.
