Everyone is mad about Starbucks' red cups. You probably heard by now. 

Why are people all worked up about some paper cups that truly have no consequence on our every day lives?

According to CNN, Starbucks said it removed "symbols of the season" it's used in the past; symbols like reindeer and ornaments, to instead include a quite simple green and red cup.

Here's our take on this. Is it the same as the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island doing away with their Christmas tree? Is it an attempt at being politically correct and commercially accessible?

If it is, it's not as unsuccessful as the Roosevelt Field Mall's because it's not as convoluted.

First of all, green and red has come to symbolize Christmas. So even if it's not the intention to only represent Christmas, it's still an unintended consequence of using that culturally accepted color scheme.

Second, in response to the #MerryChristmasStarbucks hashtag protesting the cups, Starbucks responded that they tried "to create a culture of belonging, inclusion, and diversity." Which, we've got to say, we appreciate. Except, you know, unintended consequences. 

"We wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories," said Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president. It's a nice idea. 

To people who are mad about the fact that there are no ornaments on the cup: we're really sorry you feel that your religious freedom was encroached upon, but if a paper cup is your only way of expressing your personal religious freedoms, then there might be deeper, spiritual issues you aren't addressing. 

[anad]

Try for some empathy here, though. Try to imagine being a part of a religion that's ignored or even stigmatized by the general American population.

If all the Starbucks cup naysayers did this, maybe they wouldn't be so upset anymore. 

Joshua Feuerstein is probably the person who's most bummed out about the cups. He posted a video to Facebook on November 5th that went viral. The video said Starbucks removed "Christmas from their cups because they hate Jesus."

Hey Feuerstein, chill. We see no menorahs on Starbucks' cups, nor kimaras, yet you don't see people a part of minority religions claiming Starbucks hates them. Feuerstein, it's not all about you.

jessto2 This is the last thing I'm going to say/comment on about these dang holiday cups. I keep feeling like this whole "issue" is one great @theonion cover story. Starbucks has never put out holiday cups that say "Christmas" or anything else that ties into Christianity. They are usually red and have "holiday" designs on them. Many non-Christians and non-practicing Christians associate snow flakes, snowmen, ornaments, reindeer, etc. with the holiday season. Starbucks does sell gift cards that say Christmas, they sell advent calendars, Christmas tree ornaments, and they have a specific holiday whole bean coffee named the "Christmas Blend". They also sell items marketed towards non-Christians as well. People, they are a BUSINESS. Oh, and employees ARE allowed to say "Merry Christmas". #factcheck Lastly, I am saddened by fellow Christians who find a solid red cup worth fussing over. I genuinely feel if you're on the boycott Starbucks side of things and you're a Christian that you need to take some time to look within and see what your deeper issue is. Read the Bible, go to church, get into a community with Christians you can grow beside, and do your research. #coffeeplease #starbucks #tobeapartner #starbucksredcups #happyholidays #illhavetheamericano #theonion

We appreciate Starbucks attempt at inclusivity. We think it might've been better placed with a little diversity, adding some yellow and blue cups for Hanukah, though. Or they could have decorated their cups with some Kwanza symbols. Still, we appreciate the effort.

We think anger like Feuerstein's is just small-minded. As much disdain for the decision we have, the Supreme Court acknowledged that corporations are allowed religious rights. So, why is it an issue when Starbucks opts not to promote any one religious holiday in particular?

If you ask us, we think the red cups are nice. They're cheery without being too exclusive, and honestly, we think Starbucks' effort is well placed (despite the unintended consequences of the red and green). Also, they're paper cups. So we really don't care that much.

Anger like Feuerstein's is just tunnel-vision narcissism, and it doesn't deserve any more of our attention. So, we're out. We're going to go grab some coffee at Starbucks. 

Check out 7 NYC Holiday Markets You Simply Must Visit This November. 

[via CNN]

[Feature Image Courtesy CoolHunting.com]