Starbucks has been the most popular answer for caffeine addictions across America since almost the day they opened. One thing they’re known for along with their coffee is the names they write on the sides of their beverages.
These names on the sides of cups have been the center of viral posts all over from terribly misspelled names to encouraging comments that have saved lives. Unfortunately, now one message is going viral for insulting a customer and their drink.
A recent Starbucks customer in Florida had just ordered a Grande White Mocha, which is actually a winter favorite. The barista typed a message on the label of his cup that read: “Diabetes, here I come”—not thinking about how this could hurt the customer, let alone if diabetes is an issue in their life. As it turns out…diabetes was the worst thing she could have possibly put.
“That first word just automatically brought the picture of both sisters in my head, and I was taken aback,” says the man, who has two sisters with Type 1 diabetes. “Just the struggles they went through and all the doctor appointments they had.”
The customer responded by writing, “2 of my sisters are diabetic so, not funny.”
The store manager agrees that this goes against Starbucks’ policy and the only thing that is to be written on cups is the customer’s name and the drink type.
“Seeing and knowing the struggle my sisters went through since third, fourth grade, it definitely struck a nerve,” the customer said.
He’s also not seeking a lawsuit or even an apology, he just wants to make sure this never happens again. Starbucks did release a statement saying that they’re attempting to contact him to offer a direct apology, but he’s been nowhere to be found.
Similar to the Starbucks barista, I’ve been guilty of making unthoughtful jokes and quips about people, not realizing the ramifications of my words or how they may be received. Though the 16 oz Grande White Mocha may have 470 calories and 59 grams of sugar, we need only to add an ounce of kindness to the mix…while sparing the dose of judgment. ♥
