PR Pros React to the Outrage of Starbucks' New Cups

I recently read an article about the new Starbucks' cups and how they are either a hit or miss to people, but what product out there isn't? There is absolutely no possible way to please everyone because we all have our own opinions in life. Besides that point, which I will get to later, this article explains the concept behind the "unity" cups that Starbucks incorporated into their stores. The cups display a mosaic of more than a hundred people drawn out in a continuous stroke created by artist Shogo Ota. The customers that were outraged by these cups threatened to boycott the chain via social media because it is apparently "over-the-top political correctness" to them. There have to be many more complaints that go towards these cups, but another one was how Starbucks did not include any Christmas imagery. On the other hand, last year, Starbucks found themselves in a bad spot when they debuted their red holiday cup without Christmas images. In my opinion, people focus too much of their time and energy trying to fix every little thing that is wrong to them in this World, like a Starbucks cup. Instead, we should focus on the good in our lives, and work on embracing this good  in order to develop a sense of happiness that we can carry with us through life. As PR and Marketing Pros say, in the article, "Get a life and grow the cup up." I love this quote because it's the truth! Do not let one small thing or change rock your World, it's not worth it!

Here is a picture of the new cup:

Now onto more of the politics behind this cup and the timing of this cup being established pre election. We all know that this election has been nothing but a whirlwind of emotions. And I believe we are all ready for a break, especially from those annoying political advertisements that make you not want to watch TV. Anyways, onto the point. Whether you are for the cup or against it, it does display a sense of calmness, in my opinion, because it holds a sense of unity of the American people by setting our political differences aside and understanding that we are all humans. Yes, we are all taking on this life we are given in our own way, but yet, we are always connected with the same simple aspect that we are humans. So well you take that first sip of pure joy from this cup, whether it is a mocha or straight black coffee, embrace the unity of the people and put aside the politics. This is how I truly examine this cup to display. I really do understand both sides of the story so I have tried to combine all of the sides into one explanation that we all can relate to.

As far as what the PR's in this article state, I believe they are right on with explaining this controversy. Jason Mollica released a tweet stating, "It's beyond comical that people get upset over #Starbucks cups. Get a grip. Don't like the cup? Here's a hint..don't. buy. it #PR This statement actually made me laugh because it is so accurate! We have no control over what gets released or developed in the World of Starbucks, so if you don't like the new cup development, you definitely have a choice not to buy it. Simple as that! You are only drinking your sweet cup of goodness out of the darn cup, don't let the outside affect you. Starbucks chairman and CEO also released a blog post that stated, "The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers. 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." This also represents the fact that Starbucks is not trying to express political correctness, nor should they. Instead, they are simply spreading the joy of treating everyone in life well. Because we all need that joy in our lives to make the World go round.

Overall, Starbucks new cup is generating more and more opinions each day as it is starting to become recognized. People will say what they want to say about them and live it at that. Don't go into boycotting against Starbucks or filing a law suit due to the cups not fulfilling your needs, that's just not right to me. I am sure there will be more to come of this debate, and the cups may have to potential to be taken off the market. But who knows, time will only tell in this case.