Fact Check: the Truth Behind the Viral 'Try to Be Less White' Coca-Cola Can Photos
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
The timeline below details how an enterprise software module transformed into an enduring internet myth between early 2021 and its continued persistence in 2026 digital discourse.
| Date | Event & Development | Measurable Impact |
|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2021 | Internal slides from LinkedIn Learning module leak online via employee accounts. | Over 100,000 mentions across X within 24 hours; calls for boycott begin. |
| February 22, 2021 | Coca-Cola issues an official statement stating the course was not part of required curriculum. | LinkedIn Learning removes the specific module from its enterprise catalog. |
| June 2021 | Digitally altered images of a white can bearing the slogan surface on Reddit and Facebook. | Fact-check desks at major news networks release debunking reports. |
| 2024, 2026 | Altered graphics periodically reappear as memes in debates surrounding corporate initiatives. | Sustained search volume for "white coca cola" and brand safety audits across retail lines. |
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
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