By now you would have heard all the hoopla over Starbucks’ decision to remove all Christmas related ornamentation from their annual Christmas cups. However, it is still red, more or less festive.
Being agnostic is one way of handling this growing trend not to offend anyone. Personally, I have yet to find anyone, anywhere that has been offended by Christmas ornamentation. It simply doesn’t exist… at least in my world.
Is it market driven?
Again, I have yet to see anyone refuse a Starbucks coffee, never mind their favourite latte, because of any drawing on their cups.
The obvious conclusion is there was a slow news day and someone, somewhere picked up the rant from a very small minority.
From this article posted on Starbucks’ website, titled “The Story Behind the Design of Starbuck 2015 Red Cups” you get the impression there was nothing nefarious with this year’s design. Believe them or not, the idea is sound.
Taking a cue from customers who have been doodling designs on cups for years (Starbucks held a contest to support this creativity), this year’s design is another way Starbucks is inviting customers to create their own stories with a red cup that mimics a blank canvas.
This explanation works for me… made more believable by the little cup of pens beside the stir sticks.
What I really, really want to know is why their kraft paper bags are so plain! It’s not even red! Now there’s a controversy!
Oops… never mind… I just wrote “Happy Friday the 13th” on the bag. Now I’m good.
Really folks… lighten up and just enjoy the atmosphere, your friends and whatever you’re drinking. If it really bothers you, grab a pen and write something witty or endearing.
the dan blog 