Amazing!

The caliber of the Starbucks marketing think tank boggles the mind!

If you don't care to rtfa I'll sum up: Starbucks put quotes on their cups that they gathered from various sources like news media or typical customers. A couple quotes were slipped in that are clearly meant to enrage Christians. Nothing too blasphemous, just humorous quips or different takes on things.

The Christian right obligingly becomes outraged and some mid-westerners are calling for a boycott.

Here is the brilliant part. First and foremost the 'boycott' will put no dent into Starbucks' bottom line. Any self-respecting right-wing will not go to one of your tree-hugging, patchouli-wearing, poetry-reading, hookah-smelling local cafe. No, they will go to some other corporate entity, the largest of which will be Tully's and Seattle's best. Both owned by Starbucks.

More importantly, suddenly the popular escape from Starbuck's evil corporateness will put you in rank with right-wing Christians. Suddenly Starbucks is right in the trenches in the war on Republicans and rich people. They, who so recently were evil and rich themselves, are making a stand against the Christian Right! They, are now good.

It won't push anyone into a Starbucks explicitly, but the change in image they just bought is invaluable!

FUCKING BRILLIANT!

And I'm ok with it, because they were a good company long before this little trick of theirs. If only I drank coffee.