As we've seen in recent years, Starbucks cups have taken on a symbolic significance in popular culture belied by their small size and simple design. The coffee chain faced controversy when it released its annual holiday-themed design last year, but it seems that their newest edition is one that we can all celebrate.
On Tuesday, Starbucks unveiled its new green cup, which features a single line that is shaped to create different people in a community all unified together. The cup, available only for a limited time and designed by artist Shogo Ota, is said to represent shared humanity and connection.
"The green cup and the design represent the connections Starbucks has as a community with its partners (employees) and customers," chairman and CEO Howard Schultz said. "During a divisive time in our county, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other."
It is incredibly refreshing that, in the midst of a heated election year, Starbucks is trying to bring people together by focusing on what we all have in common.
In addition to the new cup, Starbucks also released a trio of holiday-themed drinks on Tuesday. Its traditional holiday season red cup is expected to be released by mid-November.
While some people were not fond of the new green cup, most people enjoyed it and thanked Starbucks for its positive messaging.