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:
While others accused Starbucks of making a political statement:
However, some customers are defending the new design, and the message behind it:
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.