The announcement that Starbucks will be closing 600 stores nationwide has motivated Americans to act. The locations of all 600 stores were released to the public resulting in an uproar of loyal Starbuckers ready to fight. Supporters are calling it the “Save Our Starbucks” campaign. These supporters are writing letters, calling headquarters and circulating petitions to save their corner coffee shop, rather the corner Starbucks.The uproar nationwide practically resembles former hysteria raised by Starbucks when it originally broke through to all local neighborhoods and wiped out local coffee houses.
The reaction to these store closures displays the good and the bad of modern America. On a positive note, it shows the willingness and ability of Americans to use their power of petition to fight for a cause they believe in strongly. On the flip side, the cause is Starbucks coffee.
In a day when energy costs are skyrocketing and President Bush wants to drill for more oil rather than invest in new energy technologies, people are in an uproar over Starbucks closures. The caffeine drug has made Americans CRAZY. In a day when environmental issues are proving to poorly alter humans’ way of life, whether through natural disasters or climate change, Americans are fighting to keep a Starbucks open.
Above all, the pure comedy in all of this is its vivid display of American laziness. Starbucks locations are a dime a dozen. CROSS THE STREET! WALK A BLOCK! There WILL BE another one right there! Or God forbid, MAKE YOUR OWN!
Oh America! Your privacy rights are being trampled on by the Right. Your backyard is flooding or on fire because of climate change and your car is running on E because of extortianate fuel prices. Silence. Fuck with your elitist coffee and you’re in an uproar. At least you’re still willing to fight for something.
(Photo provided by The Ryan Thomas Collection. All rights reserved.)
Popularity: 5% [?]
Sphere: Related Content
July 19th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Honestly, just 10 minutes ago I was having a conversation on how LUDICROUS these people are that are so upset about the closures of these Starbucks…it’s not like Macy’s is closing, its fricken Starbucks!!!!!!!! Their coffee in my opinion STINKS with a capital S. There are soooooooooooooooo many other things to worry about, paying $5.00 for a cup of crap should be the least of your concerns. Just think of all the money you will save to buy a gallon of gas. There are tons of better coffee places out there…so take your Louis Vitton purse or wallet and head out to find one.
July 20th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Written like a true San Franciscan.
What does suck about the closing is they are an example of a company who takes care of their employees even though they have very little skill outside coffee making. A lot of people are going to be out of a job and out of the great benefits they provide.
July 20th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
They could probably stay in business if they lowered their prices…they sell their coffee at airport prices. I would have to think their profit is very high. I guess that is how they are able to pay the employees. It’s like the housing market…it got out of control and now it’s crashing. Starbucks went out of control putting their stores on every corner…it had to give sooner or later.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:58 am
Great post Ryan, it’s true there are too many Starbucks in any given radius and I am glad that they are closing 600 stores. For me, I like the diversity of different unique coffee houses that you can discover and call it “your own.” The cookie-cutter Starbucks is no longer unique or special – I shouldn’t have an opinion on this topic, since I don’t even drink coffee but hey, I love a Britney Spears Frappicino every now and then!