Controversy Over New Starbucks Holiday Cup is Disappointing
November 18, 2015
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:
@Starbucks why won't you put #MerryChristmas on your cups this year?
— Searching1 (@Searching1) November 6, 2015
I challenge you all to use the name #MerryChristmas when you order at Starbucks since they refuse to promote Christ in their establishments
— Brennan Clay (@BrennanClay24) November 5, 2015
@Starbucks since you despise Christians, I will spend my $200 per month coffee budget elsewhere. #MerryChristmas
— Anonymous Source (@wrenchboy) November 5, 2015
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:
I was saved by Jesus, not a latte. A cup doesn't determine Christmas. You do. #IStandWithStarbucks #ItsJustACup pic.twitter.com/v98Gm3KKfR
— 𝕄𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒 (@hey_its_manders) November 10, 2015
https://twitter.com/genevieve_kay/status/664460593361911809
https://twitter.com/britneyy12/status/664627768177463297
https://twitter.com/alattry/status/663425339150856192
MARCHED into Starbucks to DEMAND why they are so anti-Christmas… #StarbucksRedCup pic.twitter.com/FVLBpoWVxG
— Ludwig 🏃♂️ (@paulludwig) November 9, 2015
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.”
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/
Zoe Wilber • Nov 18, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Quite clearly the Starbucks cup is still holiday-spirited as cranberry red is a color associated with the holiday season, particularly Christmas (a Christian holiday). I personally like the minimalistic appoach to this year’s cup–not just because I celebrate Christmas and red is a “Christmas color”, but because it’s a festive change of a look for the holiday season–I would like the look if the cup was blue or green. Overall, it’s just a cup. Let’s start worrying about things that clearly hold presendecne in the grand scheme of this season: how many people will actually have the privilege of having a beauitful and warm holiday season this year?
Grant Starr • Nov 18, 2015 at 7:07 pm
I find it funny that one of those people asked why Starbucks wouldn’t put Merry Christmas on their cups this year. It’s funny because Starbucks doesn’t put Merry Christmas on its cups. It puts snowmen and snowflakes and Sant on their cups, not Merry Christmas. I applaud Starbucks for their cup choice, as it does allow people to put whatever their idea of the Holiday Season on the cup, allowing a freedom most companies don’t allow for people. Very weird and interesting controversy.