As the holiday season is approaching its final days, it gives us time to ponder this past 2015 season. Companies everywhere were looking for ways that they could help customers celebrate the festive season and enjoy it even more. To some, this is “old news,” but for those of us who have been wrapped up (pun intended) in all of the holiday festivities, parties, and planning, we may have missed some of these 2015 controversies. So, let’s get caught up, shall we?
In the last few years, mega-giant retailer coffee seller Starbucks has chosen to participate in the annual holiday celebration by offering customers cups that help convey the holiday mood. Company officials have chosen various kinds of colors and images in recent years.
The Red Cup
This year, officials at Starbucks revealed their latest effort: a red coffee cup with the Starbucks logo. Some groups have reacted negatively to the choice of the design. They think it suggests that no one should wish anyone a merry Christmas. Certain religious groups have chosen to argue that the cup is a symbol of attempts to remove the celebration of Christmas altogether and prohibit Christians from engaging in their religious celebrations in public. Officials at such groups have suggested that the new cup is too neutral and entirely too bland. They insist that the company has responded inappropriately to pressure groups seeking to force others to avoid Christmas celebrations of any kind.
Drink your coffee while reading a #UBCO prof's explanation about the plain red cup campaign #starbucks #itsjustacup https://t.co/BNd9r0pSOJ
— Innovation Library (@Innovation_Lib) December 23, 2015
More Recently…
Other groups have asserted that the cup is just a cup and not a political statement of any kind. To that end, and to show support for the company’s decision, they have begun a new campaign of support for the company. Using the hashtag #itsjustacup, they made posts on social media and other places asserting that some people are completely overreacting to the company’s decision in this matter. They point out that the cup is not meant to do anything but convey the change of seasons. Many customers have chosen to write this message on their coffee orders. Others have chosen to write “Merry Christmas” as their name on the cup to force company staffers to say the greeting out loud.
Politicians Weighed In On the Topic
The alleged controversy has attracted so much attention that at least one presidential candidate has decided to comment. Republican candidate Donald Trump stated his opinion on this topic and his support for those choosing to boycott Starbucks. Other elected officials have not said anything but the issue continues to attract attention as the race for president heads into the coming election year. Observers expect the Starbucks cup to continue to attract attention for what remains of the holiday season.
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Its interesting that Starbucks is getting a lot of reaction for its simple decision to change its cups color for the festive season. I think the reactions to this decision have been excessive.
What really is the connection with this company and politicians? I personally think the controversy is unnecessary. I strongly support those promoting the hashtag #itsjustacup
It does get a person wondering, and you brought up a great point, Sunday. I know, for me personally, there is no personal gain or kickback for writing this post. But, I do enjoy the discussion with all of you, so thank you all 😉 -Deborah
The alleged controversy has attracted so much attention that at least one presidential candidate has decided to comment . thanks to great advice..
Oh, it has garnered attention, hasn’t it? Even enough for me to write a blog post on it LOL -Deborah
I really like Starbucks coffee and i love it.
I’m with you, Rama. I love Starbucks coffee and their other drinks, as well. I also like the experience of going to Starbucks, whether it is to have a cup there or to pick up a cup with a friend or two 🙂 It is a social experience 😉 -Deborah
Its just a cup and I think there would be no religious feelings involved into it.
The earlier design of the cup was more interesting than the current one.
You are right, Aashish, it is just a cup. Thank you for sharing your opinion on which one you thought to be more interesting, as far as design. -Deborah
Wooww great post..btw I love coffee and and I’m drinking coffee with reading this article….
Thank you soo much for this one 🙂
Ah, love it, Hemant. 🙂 Yes, I’m drinking as I type the response here. (Dare I admit it is tea? Coffee up next! hehehe) -Deborah 🙂
Hey Deborah, very interesting topic. Personally, I think this new red color is too aggressive. However, I have to say it really does reminiscent of the holidays and Christmas
Great observations and perspectives, Eva! Thank you for sharing them! I do see your point about how aggressive the red can be, as I hadn’t thought of it that way. Thank you. -Deborah
Congratulations for the post, many techniques are used by companies to increase their profits, including follow the culture !!!
Thank you, Luciano. And, interesting observation in the middle of all of this discussion, that this is a matter of following the culture. True 😉 -Deborah
Surely, it’s just a cup. They are changing it every year. There is no point giving any other agenda behind this. I love starbucks and red looks cool.
Yep, it is just a cup. And, I hear you on not giving it any other thought. This is what they want us to do as it is more publicity 😉 But, we are loyal anyway, for many of us 😉 Thank you for your vote.
These people find controversies in everything. But I really like the concept of the red cup.
Oh, I agree, Gautham! And, thanks for your vote for the red 🙂
I really like the red one more then the other
Thank you for your vote for the red, Rhhamma.
I’ve heard about this controversy and I believe it’s a bit overrated. Though Starbucks is a big, influential company, I don’t think our Christmas celebrations should revolve around what they did or did not do.
Oh, I hear you, Claire! So true. -Deborah
I tried the red star buck coffee cup on Christmas and found it to be the best on that day. I don’t know why. But Thanks for the fun article. Now I have found a website where I can enjoy reading to some fun articles like this.
Thank You Deborah.
I’m really glad you enjoyed the article, Dev. Thank you! That encouraged me! (And encouraged me to do more articles like this 😉 ) -Deborah
Even Donald Trump weighed in on the Starbucks Christmas Cup controversy during a rally in Illinois on Monday.
“No more ‘Merry Christmas’ at Starbucks. No more,” Trump said, noting that the coffee giant is among his tenants at Trump Tower in Manhattan. “Maybe we should boycott Starbucks. I don’t know. Seriously. I don’t care. By the way: That’s the end of that lease. But who cares? Who cares? Who cares?”
Wow – everyone has an opinion, eh?! Let Starbucks do their thing. I just want to pay them and have a nice cup of cappuccino 😉 -Deborah
You know I’ve never been to a starbucks in my whole life and that’s really baffling to me, haha. We don’t have those in Norway where I live but you read and see them everywhere in magazines and movies. I’ve heard that they always misspell your name on the cup, haha!
Oh, Elin, I hope they come to Norway someday so you can also enjoy them. I haven’t had them misspell my name on my cup, but then I give them the easy version of “Deb,” and they usually can handle that just fine 😉 (Spelling “Deborah” might be a different case and I like to manage my expectations LOL). -Deborah
Red starbucks are really better coffee enjoyed to everyone some of guys will find mistakes in every material so don’t look back.
Good point. It is what is inside, right Rama? Great coffee! -Deborah
Thanks for sharing. Red cup is good.
Thank you for your vote for the red cup, Pooja. -Deborah
Hi.
Just one word for you. It’s an outstanding post. I have followed almost all of your posts and it’s really one of the most informative ones. Actually I have visited so many sites which are writing about coffee cup but never found anything like this.
Well, I’m glad you find us unique, Deepika 🙂 Hope we continue to please(?) LOL -Deborah
I don’t find anything wrong in red cups, i guess it looked more good then the previous once. people just need some reasons to speak themselves out, so that they can create a controversy.
Yeah, I like the color red. I see what you are saying, Nawab.
Its great controversy about red coffee cup choosing, many perceptions are coming about it. Some are good….
Yeah, it is an interesting controversy, Taufeeq. Though, I think there are more time-worthy controversies out there LOL
This looks great, I really like the red cup:)
We have a lot of takers for that red cup, eh, Thomas? 😉 -Deborah
Hey Deborah, great tips, and it is really helpful if you use the first one with the last one. the coffee shop really doesn’t like it when I show up in my boxers and fuzzy slippers 😀
You are too funny, David. I think that would be cute 🙂
I will be interested in seeing what Starbucks designs this year and if they’re going to be all ‘PC’ this year too?
That will be interesting to see what they do, Tim. Good point.
love the red one… its fabulous
Yep, another vote for red 😉 -Deborah
I think there’s nothing to worry about since its just a cup and we all know that the main color of Christmas is red. Right? so what intriguing about it? I vote for red!
Great insight, Mike. I hear you on the primary color of the holidays being red, at least for those who celebrate Christmas. -Deborah
I always enjoy the red Starbucks coffee cups come Christmas time. They really light up my day. I also enjoy reading your articles.
Yes, they do have that way of lighting up our days, don’t they, Anna? Thank you for your kind words 🙂 -Deborah
I am a die hard fan of Starbucks. I always love when there is a Starbucks logo, be it my tea or just a coffee.
Oh, I hear ya there, Kim, on being a die-hard fan of Starbucks. And, I love my tea, as well. -Deborah
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting
more from this web site, and your views are good in support of new users.
Thank you, Will, for your support of all other commentators 😉 -Deborah
Yes….i love coffee…and i drink Starbucks coffee i love it..and also red cup …thanks
Yep – that coffee and that cup – both are great 😉 -Deborah
I think the first one looks ok, but all are great overall
Thank you for your vote, Martin 🙂 -Deborah
Well written content. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sue. We appreciate your feedback. -Deborah
I think 2014 was the best.
Yes, they did do a nice job in 2014, didn’t they 🙂 -Deborah
The Color of the cup doesn’t really matters, the thing which really matter is taste and quality.
Good point, John. Yes, just like with the person, it is what is on the inside that matters, the qualities of that person, so it is with the drink, the taste, and quality. Thank you for sharing your observations and insights. -Deborah
I really like the first one (2013) wish they had that in here Sweden.
Yes, 2013 was a nice year. Maybe, someday, they will get that right in Sweden 🙂 -Deborah
Red cup is elegant. Should not be a big issue. Starbucks looks good with a red cup.
Yes, a red cup does exude elegance. And, it shouldn’t be a big issue, should it? True. -Deborah
Hi Deborah
thanks for awesome post i really like it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, Haseeb.
It looks awesome. I love coffee. And like your post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Edna. And, I appreciate being listed in there with the coffee as a like 🙂 -Deborah
thanks for information , i like starbucks coffe and i thinks the best coffe because it feels very unique and different from other coffee flavors
Yes, Alfred, and being unique, setting oneself apart from the others, and being good at it is what helps us in life and Starbucks seems to have figured out how to do it with their coffee. Not only can we enjoy their coffee but learn from their example 🙂 -Deborah
wow, thanks for sharing. i like starbucks coffe because it is tasty.
I agree, Bondan. Starbucks coffee is very tasty, and it is easy to like because of that. -Deborah
I don’t understand all this controversy. Reactions to this decision have been totally excessive
True, Aurélien. There are definitely bigger (and more important) issues to make a big deal about than the color of a coffee cup, eh?
Starbucks- A name itself enough for everything 😛
Oh, so true, Shyam. -Deborah
Thanks for the content 🙂 coffee is wonderful isn’t it?
Oh, it is! I have to agree with you there, Austin! And, you are very welcome for the content and thank you for the kind words 😉 -Deborah
Informative article. Keep it up!
I hope so, Sed. We like to keep them informative and will be keeping them up, after a short hiatus for further university study and people interaction 🙂 -Deborah
I think they’re kinda cute haha
I hadn’t thought of it in terms of “cute,” but yeah(!), they are cute. Thank you for sharing that, Austin. -Deborah
Great post, thank you! When I read it I was thinking about how good a job Starbucks is doing. They just flow perfectly with the evolution of civilization. They changed their logo, they changed what they offer and how they serve it. I am personally a lover of Starbucks coffee and I love their elegant style. In every sense. Their shops, their products, and their employees! Thanks for writing about it, I enjoyed the reading!
Oh, I hear you, Zoe, and I am right there with you. I love Starbucks and what they do, as well. Thank you for your kind words about the article, as well! -Deborah
Excellent topic, Basically I am a very pleased with reading this coffee Article. Thanks for this.
I am glad it pleases you, Silva 😉 -Deborah
I personally like Starbucks coffee no doubt its taste is awesome as well as cups are too, I really like your reaction on it 🙂
You are so kind, Jenny. Thank you for your feedback – appreciated. And, even if I am enjoying my cup of tea as I write this, I am thrilled to also stop and visit my local Starbucks – highlight of my day with my triple-shot Cappuccino in a Starbucks cup 🙂 -Deborah
Thanks Ms Anderson. wonderful sharing
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Thank you for stopping by in between cups of coffee 🙂 -Deborah
Starsbucks is a symbol and there green cups as well, so suddenly having starsbucks in red makes me feel. I am not at all enjoying my favorite coffee. They should think about there brand although the red cup has brought them a very hyped anti marketing.
Good point. And, I agree that companies should evaluate their brand and in particular, how branding changes will affect their customers. Very good point and thanks for sharing it! 😉 -Deborah
To be frank, I’m not the coffee type. But I see reasons now to have a taste of it.
Ah, you are kind and I’m sure Starbucks appreciates you having a taste, especially if it is their coffee (or one of their drinks from their cups LOL). Thank you for sharing 😉 -Deborah
Great post and yummy coffee.I love the coffee. and thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Thank you, and I agree – yummy coffee 🙂 -Deborah
Very informative article . Keep writing such nice post
Thank you, Rahul. I have received such positive feedback on this particular post, that I believe I will continue with these types sprinkled in here and there 😉 -Deborah
Yeah this is very good information to read
I’m glad you find that to be the case, Jack. -Deborah
Hi
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
Glad to hear it. Thank you. -Deborah
Wonderful post! You’ve made some very astute observations and I am thankful for the effort you have put into your writing.
It’s clear that you know what you are talking about.
Ah, thank you so very kindly! It was a fun project to write it for you all. 🙂 -Deborah
It was an interesting post, thank you for sharing with us
Sure thing. I enjoyed writing it so I am glad you found it interesting -Deborah