Controversy Over New Starbucks Holiday Cup is Disappointing

Katie Moreland, Staff Reporter

Many of you may have probably heard or seen Starbucks’ 2015 red holiday cups that were released on October 22nd of this year. The new design of this cup is very different compared to most of the cups from previous years, and as a result, has sparked a rather intense controversy.

In the past, Starbucks has included snowflakes, trees, snow, reindeer, and other Christmas themed items. However this year, Jeffrey Fields, vice president of Design and Content for Starbucks, helped to design the new cup which is a plain, ombré red and cranberry color with the normal green Starbucks logo in the middle. This simple design caused many customers to be upset because they feel that this cup is a departure from celebrating Christmas.

Because of the simple design, Starbucks have received a great amount of feedback from their customers.

Here is what some of them said:

Even Republican candidate, Donald Trump, is boycotting Starbucks for the lack of Christmas design on Starbucks’ holiday cups:

https://twitter.com/vickybrush/status/663965181442043905

Although many people believe that Starbucks is “hating on Christians” for not including a design on their holiday cup, more people like the new design and are defending Starbucks using the hashtag #ItsJustACup on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/genevieve_kay/status/664460593361911809

https://twitter.com/britneyy12/status/664627768177463297

https://twitter.com/alattry/status/663425339150856192

Personally, I believe that Starbucks is not disrespecting Christians or any other religion. They simply decided to make a unique design for their holiday cups that is unlike anything they have had in the past.

Jeffrey Fields said, “In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs. This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.”

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With the new holiday cups, Starbucks is simply allowing customers to create their own stories. Since the first holiday cup came out in 1997, Starbucks has created a different story each year by using different symbols that represent the season. This year, however, the simplicity of the cup allows all stories to be told.

In addition, I agree with those who are defending Starbucks with the hashtag #ItsJustACup. During this holiday season, there are many other things that we should focus on, such as family and friends, instead of a simple cup that you are going to throw away.

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What do you think about Starbucks 2015 holiday cup? Let us know in the comments below!

Creative Commons photo source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28698046@N08/22995587671/