The 'WAR ON CHRISTMAS' continues as Starbucks' new seasonal cups spark public outrage

Does Starbucks hate Christmas?

When coffee giant Starbucks released red cups in place of their traditionally holiday-themed cups this winter, Arizona-based evangelist Joshua Feuerstein cried bigotry.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a Facebook video rant, Feuerstein wrote, "I think in the age of political correctness we become so open-minded our brains have literally fallen out of our head."

He continues, saying: "Do you realize that Starbucks wanted to take Christ and Christmas off of their brand new cups? That's why they're just plain red. In fact, do you realize that Starbucks isn't allowed to say 'Merry Christmas' to customers? Well I decided, instead of simply boycotting, why don't we start a movement?"

Feuerstein then explained how he ordered a hot beverage from Starbucks and gave "Merry Christmas" as his name, which forced the employee to call out "Merry Christmas" when his drink was ready. "Guess what, Starbucks," he asked, "I tricked you into putting 'Merry Christmas on your cup."

At the end of the video, Feuerstein stated, "Choose to not be politically correct, just correct" and admitted he wore a Jesus Christ T-shirt "just to offend." He also brought his gun, adding Starbucks "hates" the Second Amendment, based on past statements declaring the company's disapproval of guns in its locations.

The evangelist's video was posted Thursday, November 5 and has been viewed nearly 13 million times as of Monday morning.

In an email sent to the Washington Post, Feuerstein wrote, "It's not just about a cup. The cup is symbolic of a larger war against Christianity in this country. The policemen of political correctness have demanded that the silent majority bend its knee to a vocal minority. Starbucks and others know that Americans are drawing a line in the sand and refusing to remain silent any longer."

Many have supported his message but one person commented on the video, which reiterates Feuerstein's comment about the silent majority catering to the vocal minority: "I normally like your post but not this one. Starbucks is trying to remain neutral and be culturally sensitive to everyone by leaving them blank. You are offended that they don't say Merry Christmas, but Jewish people would be offended if it only said that, not Happy Hanukkah. So they are leaving them blank so they can't offend anyone."

In a public release, Starbucks wrote, "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. Starbucks will continue to embrace and welcome customers from all backgrounds and religions in our stores around the world."

Though holiday cups have been a Starbucks tradition since 1997, Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president of design and content, said, the past designs "told a story of the holidays by featuring symbols of the season from vintage ornaments and hand-drawn reindeer to modern vector-illustrated characters.

"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 year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories."

Fields added, "We're embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It's a more open way to usher in the holiday."

Despite Fields' claims, few believe a company would go from beautiful holiday-themed cups to a boring "design" reminiscent of plastic Solo containers.

Raheem Kassam wrote, "You can see what's going on here. More open? You mean, you're trying not to 'offend' anyone. Frankly, the only thing that can redeem them from this whitewashing of Christmas is to print Bible verses on their cups next year."

What do you think? Will you join Feuerstein's movement, boycott or simply accept that Starbucks cups don't matter? Tell us in the comments below!

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