Calls for Starbucks Boycott Follow Clinton Endorsement, Cup Release-Truth!
Summary of eRumor:
After Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton and released a limited edition “unity” inspired green cup, some customers have called for a boycott.
The Truth:
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz made waves when he endorsed of Hillary Clinton in September, and when he predicted she would win the race in October.
Then, and very predictably, Starbucks’ announcement that a limited edition green cup that “celebrates community” with a single line connecting diverse people caused a great deal of controversy when it was unveiled on November 1st:
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.
“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,” said Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo.
Starbucks commissioned artist Shogo Ota to create the artwork. His threaded design represents shared humanity and connection, serving as a symbol for stitching people together as a united community. Discover more about the artist here from our friends at 1912 Pike.
The cups sparked almost immediate outrage. Some customers mistakenly believed that the “very limited edition” green cups were the coffee chain’s cups for the 2016 Christmas season — but that’s not the case. Other customers were upset that the “unity cups” advanced a liberal agenda less than a week before the general election. That led to continued calls for boycotts of the coffee giant.