Starbucks is in recent fire because of its new, 2015 Red Starbucks CupTM design. Called the Starbucks Red Cup Controversy, the company is facing backlash from evangelists because its simple crimson container for the holidays no longer represents the Christian holiday, Christmas.
Christians consider this move from the coffee giant offensive. Meanwhile, netizens against and pro Starbucks, have taken the opportunity to voice out their opinions, and the Starbucks Red Cup Controversy was born.
The Starbucks Red Cup Controversy actually began with a viral video created by Joshua Feuerstein, claiming that Starbucks doesn't want to celebrate Christmas.
In his personal website, Feuerstein describes himself an "American evangelist, internet, and social media personality." Because he has a big Christian, conservative following, his Facebook video has ammassed more than 14 million views, according to Vox.
Feuerstein said in his video that rather than boycotting the coffee giant, he told a barista his name was "Merry Christmas," so that it would get written on the cup. He then urged other Christian customers to follow suit and post selfies with their "Merry Christmas" Starbucks cups.
Feuerstein said in the Facebook video:
"Do you realize that Starbucks wanted to take Christ and Christmas off of their brand new cups? In fact, do you know that Starbucks isn't allowed to say merry Christmas to their customers?"
Apparently, Feuerstein became popular not only because of his huge Christian following, but also because many disagree with his claims. It also appears Feuerstein is wrong in saying that Starbucks once printed the word "Christmas" on their cups.
According to Vox, Starbucks has never written "Merry Christmas" on its holiday cups in the past six years. In addition, since it is not a Christian company, they have made use of vague holiday symbols and language on their cups.
Most recently, Donald Trump joined in on the Starbucks Red Cup Controversy bandwagon. According to USA Today, Trump said during a campaign rally Monday in Springfield, Illinois:
"I have one of the most successful Starbucks in Trump Tower. 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."
"If I become president, we're all going to be saying Merry Christmas again, that I can tell you. That I can tell you. Unbelievable."
Many people are now questioning the true intentions of Donald Trump with his statement, especially since the appearance was to court voters in the area, according to The Inquisitr.
Meanwhile, on November 8, three days after Feuerstein's video, Starbucks defended itself saying the new cups are meant to embrace "the simplicity and the quietness of it. It's more open way to usher in the holiday."