Starbucks red Christmas cups spark controversy
Some Christians are outraged that Starbucks' latest holiday cup features a plain red design instead of explicit references to Christmas.
In a Facebook post, one of the leaders of the campaign against the coffee giant, Joshua Feurenstein said: "Starbucks removed Christmas from their cups because they hate Jesus."
Looking at some of the festive cups Starbucks have had in the past, it's not as if they've featured openly religious symbols before - a Christmas tree seems to have been the most popular design.
The cups are leading some to call for a boycott while others are encouraging customers to say their name is 'Merry Christmas' so the baristas have to say it when giving out the drinks.
Meanwhile, others support the cup design or see the whole issue as trivial.
In a press release, the vice president of design and content, Jeffrey Fields said: "Starbucks has become a place of Sanctuary during the holidays. We're embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It's a more open way to usher in the holiday."
He added: "In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs, this year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories."
The press release also states: "Creating a culture of belonging, inclusion and diversity is one of the core values of Starbucks, and each year during the holidays the company aims to bring customers an experience that inspires the spirit of the season."
Earlier this year Starbucks launched its Race Together campaign to encourage customers to talk about racism, but the move also sparked controversy and the campaign was cancelled just days later.
The controversy has even spread across the pond with a UK MP wading in on the discussion.
The Telegraph reports Sir David Amess, a Conservative MP, told Brietbart London, that the new design was 'utter madness'
He said: "What is Christmas about? It's CHRIST-Mass."
Amess added: "This is utter madness. Who was the idiot who thought this up? He should be sacked!"
