Starbucks causes online uproar over ‘unity’ cups
The coffee chain has sparked controversy in unveiling its green beverage holders. Some support the effort; others say it’s reminiscent of the #racetogether kerfuffle.
The coffee chain—which sparked controversy last March when it told baristas to write “#RaceTogether” on customers’ cups—has garnered headlines over the uproar its new cup design is generating.
Starbucks introduced the new cup on Tuesday. It’s green and features a “threaded design” by artist Shogo Ota, which, the company says, serves “as a symbol for stitching people together as a united community”:
Friends, baristas, and customers drawn in one continuous line—reminding us we’re all connected. ð pic.twitter.com/qspqJc8KWB
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) November 1, 2016
The company’s press release read, in part:
A single line connects the figures. A coffee farmer, a family, a barista, friends embracing. A mosaic of more than a hundred people drawn in one continuous stroke is featured on a new Starbucks green cup.
The new green cup is available exclusively in U.S. Starbucks stores starting today (November 1), for a limited time while supplies last.
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