Starbucks' new "unity" cups have Americans divided
Coffee drinkers were in for quite a surprise when they walked into their local Starbucks Tuesday morning to grab a quick cup of joe.
As baristas called their names, one by one, customers were handed unfamiliar bright green cups with sketches of a variety of characters stitched together on the canvas.
“It’s meant to be a symbol of unity, and to encourage us to be good to each other,” a Starbucks spokesman told CBS News.
But the “unity” cups are causing quite a stir.
Though they’re meant to symbolize “bringing people together,” the cups have customers divided.
Some questioned whether the cups are replacing Starbucks’ traditional holiday-themed cups:
@Starbucks i need answers. this new green cup is extremely ugly & gives me anxiety. are these the official holiday cups or just the pre cup? pic.twitter.com/wxvqZ4CjWD
— me (@ash_guid) November 2, 2016
I really don't like the new green holiday cups at Starbucks... #TeamRedCup
— Princess (@Hayley_Elaine34) November 2, 2016
While others accused Starbucks of making a political statement:
@Starbucks Screw you. My coffee should NOT (and does NOT) come with political brainwashing. I dropped @Starbucks like a hot rock.
— #ScrewStarbucks (@RadioAnna) November 1, 2016
@Starbucks how did the holiday spirit become a political agenda?
— me, myself and I (@joslynnslife) November 2, 2016
"It's an attack on society, political brainwashing, a terrible sign of the end of times"
— Emily Watkins (@emilyluella) November 2, 2016
"Wow what happened?"
"Starbucks changed their cups"
However, some customers are defending the new design, and the message behind it:
Okay these new Starbucks cups are too cute pic.twitter.com/7IR3mt4E6J
— Susi E. (@SusiVene) November 2, 2016
I love the new Starbucks cups and I love the message of them @Starbucks 💕 #hatersgonnahate
— ä b b y (@swimfaust) November 2, 2016
I love the new @starbucks cup featuring "a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other." pic.twitter.com/JNv6lVNvkV
— Guthrie G-F (@GuthrieGF) November 2, 2016
Starbucks assures customers they are not pushing a “political agenda,” but rather a promotion of peace.
“During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other,” Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement.
It’s not the first time Schultz and his coffee chain have stood up for American values – and stepped on some toes in the process. During a short-lived campaign last year, Starbucks encouraged discussion of racial issues by writing “Race Together” on coffee cups.
The green “unity” cups will be in U.S. stores for a limited time and should not be considered “holiday cups.”
“The rest of our holiday plans are still under wraps,” the Starbucks spokesman said.