It is hard to believe so much controversy has come about because of a cup, and a paper one at that. Yet the new design of Starbucks’ holiday cup has some Americans angrily foaming at the mouth.
The company has come under fire for its seasonal cup because–wait for it–it is plain red. The humanity! Though the cup’s white lid makes it arguably reminiscent of a candy cane, it does not feature the typical picturesque Christmas designs of its predecessors.
Regardless of the facts that the coffee chain uses Christmas Blend coffee and has festive “Merry Christmas” gift cards for sale, some Christians are crying out that Starbucks is attacking Christmas.
Evangelist Joshua Feuerstein, one of many disgruntled customers, voiced his opinion in a Facebook video that has since gone viral.
“I think, in the age of political correctness, we become so open-minded [that] our brains have literally fallen out of our head,” said Feuerstein. In the caption of his video, Feuerstein said that “Starbucks removed Christmas from their cups because they hate Jesus.”
In the clip, he revealed his plan to stick it to the company: telling the workers that his name is “Merry Christmas.” By doing this, employees not only have to write the sentiment on the cup, but say it aloud as well. Feuerstein called on viewers to do the same, and to show their support for the movement by taking a “coffee selfie” and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MerryChristmasStarbucks.
The company’s website says that the plain cup was inspired by customers who draw their own designs on the coffee cups, and calls consumers to “create their own stories.”
“Creating a culture of belonging, inclusion and diversity is one of the core values of Starbucks, and each year during the holidays the company aims to bring customers an experience that inspires the spirit of the season,” said the coffee provider.
In light of this so-called “Cupgate,” it would also seem that other establishments have looked to benefit. For example, Dunkin’ Donuts launched its own holiday design for its Styrofoam cup.
The million dollar question is: what is wrong with being inclusive of different religious views? Why would a true Christian be bothered by this? And what exactly do things like reindeer, ornaments and snowmen have to do with Christianity and Jesus, anyway?
