Ah, Starbucks. A central figure in many seasons, whether apparent or inadvertent (PSL, anyone?). I've never been the biggest Starbucks drinker, but when I have the opportunity I'll appreciate a tea. Within the past years, Starbucks has been in the news for the designs for their controversial winter season cup (which is really just a celebration of Christmas, but last year somehow wasn't Christmas enough). This year, the cup is not for the holiday (Christmas) season, but to celebrate diversity and community during a trying time around the world. Sure, the timing of the cup is exactly in line with the election, but makes no political statement.
The artist Shogo Ota did a beautiful job intricately creating many people of many cultures on this cup. There is one line that connects all of them, symbolizing that Starbucks wants to celebrate the interconnectivity of the world, a sentiment much needed during this divisive time.
Divisive time. Those words have divided the Starbucks enthusiasts and others alike. They argue that because Starbucks is creating a cup during election season, the company must be making a political statement. I disagree. How is this cup political? It is making a civil statement. We are living during a divisive time, and not just because of the upcoming election. We have people trying to save themselves and families from civil war, religious extremists terrorizing entire groups of people, police brutality against peaceful protesters, and es, hatred towards certain individuals in political parties.
Not only that, Starbucks is not a political company in any sense. This cup doesn't mention politics at all! It seems like the reason behind creating the design is because of actions that have been influenced by politics, not any political messages themselves. Where on the cup does it say "Go Hillary" or "Go Trump"? There's not any wording on it at all, just pictures!
This message is to celebrate everyone, from those living in inner cities to those living on farms, every ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and so much more that normally divide us. And during this time of hatred and indifference, we need a little reminder that everyone is human. We all thrive on the same earth
If you're still not happy with the cup, don't buy it. Bring in a separate mug, don't drink Starbucks, color it black, or white out the design. Just don't let the rest of us, the ones who celebrate the cup and the message that it stands for, feel bad for liking a different kind of civil celebration.
