Red Cup Controversy

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A simple red cup, a seemingly appropriate design for the holiday season. You couldn't be more wrong. We have all heard of Starbucks, an important part of American culture best known for its pumpkin spice lattes. The design on their new Starbucks cup is brewing controversy. This design has managed to offend some Christians by failing to include holiday messages or symbols.The outrage was unexpected. This controversy caused by Starbucks’ apparently bold move by may have actually been blown out of proportion. Are a majority of Christians really offended by this simple scarlet cup?

This "vast majority" of Christians believe that Starbucks is somehow trying to send the message that they are “anti-Christian." But the majority we have imagined may …show more content…

Those major news networks, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, all reported regarding this issue. Newspapers like the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and USA Today all wrote extensive articles. USA Today wrote an article titled, #ItsJustACup mocks Starbucks' red cup controversy, focused toward the idea of this issue not being an actual issue. Hashtags displayed their importance once again. The hashtag, #ItsJustACup, was created to combat the movement ignited by #redcup. In the article, #ItsJustACup mocks Starbucks' red cup controversy, the author mentioned a very important point. The author, Mary Bowerman, wrote, “In response to the continuing debate over the cup, many are using the hashtag #ItsJustACup to point out there are many bigger issues people should be focusing on.” Bowerman then provided examples throughout out her article. One example, a tweet from Scott Matteson, simply said, “First world problems ensure that there are plenty of people just sitting around waiting to get offended over nothing.” Countless shared that opinion. A controversy such as this one is always subject to humiliation on late night comedy shows. On the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Colbert commented, "Now Starbucks is completely devoid of any trace of the holiday besides the Christmas tree ornaments, advent calendar, CDs of Christmas music, …show more content…

Josh Feuerstein, the man who brought this to the attention of the nation, pushed for a fight against Starbucks. He simply posted a video calling for some “revolt” against Starbucks for the world to see. It was seen, reposted, liked, and commented on, and thus an entire movement was ignited. We live in a time where we can post our feelings and opinions openly and start a discussion. This "controversy" was somewhat ridiculous, but it started a discussion. And no, most people are not offended by the cup. The cup has been doing good. People even think that the cup is symbolizing that Starbucks isn't just for Christians, but for everyone. Those who don't celebrate Christmas should have just as much of a right to get their pumpkin spice lattes. After all, this is America, a place where everyone is

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