Starbucks India stirred controversy and faced calls for boycotts following the release of a commercial set in India that sparked objections, particularly from the right-wing community. The company drew criticism for its latest promotional campaign, which portrayed parents meeting their transgender daughter at a Starbucks outlet.
In the video, a father initially grapples with accepting his daughter’s transition but eventually embraces it by ordering a drink for her under her new name. Starbucks India shared the video on Twitter with the caption, “Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName.”
The advertisement faced significant backlash, with political commentator Rukshan Fernando tweeting, “Starbucks facing backlash in India after adopting a full Bud Light approach. Introducing a mediocre US coffee brand to the market wasn’t bad enough; now they bring their woke corporate culture to the Subcontinent.”
In Starbucks India’s comment section, one user expressed dismay, stating, “It’s deeply concerning to witness the rapid erosion of cultural identity in our era. Certain liberal forces persistently normalize practices that seem to undermine our cherished traditions and values.”
Another user questioned Starbucks India’s marketing approach, commenting, “I’m a huge Starbucks fan and spend thousands of rupees in their coffee shops annually. But I can’t comprehend why @StarbucksIndia would launch a woke campaign under the guise of advertising? Can’t they just promote their coffee and service in India?”
A different comment criticized the promotion of what they deemed “immoral values,” asserting, “What are you promoting @Starbucks… Don’t endorse such cultural shifts… We don’t need any lessons on accepting such immoral values… We are Bharatvasis, and we take pride in our civilization.”
“I don’t understand why brands do this… these ads alienate huge portions of the population. Whatever happened to common-sense advertising? Videos like this alienate more customers than they attract. Literally wasting advertising dollars just to virtue signal,” expressed another disgruntled individual.
Watch the controversial ad here:
America has exported woke culture all around the globe, and Starbucks India just provided yet another example of this phenomenon. Since the end of World War II, the United States has been the global hegemon of liberalism, and many other nations have sought to mimic its cuIture.
Breastfeeding in Public: A Mother’s Creative Response
Although there has long been discussion around breastfeeding in public, one instance from 2018 still has an impact on moms all over the nation. When Melanie Dudley, a new mother from Texas, breastfed her three-month-old son at a restaurant, she became the talk of the town. The following events are both humorous and thought-provoking.
It was 86 degrees outside, and Melanie was covertly nursing her infant. But a man seated close to her felt uneasy and requested her to cover up. Melanie answered with a twist that made everyone in the restaurant laugh, refusing to become defensive. Laughter from bystanders as she covered her own head with the nursing cover.
Melanie’s unorthodox approach was captured in a photo that rapidly went viral on Facebook, igniting a national dialogue about nursing in public. The tragedy happened in 2018, yet its significance is still relevant today. It draws attention to the current discussion over a mother’s unrestricted right to breastfeed her child.
In addition to showcasing Melanie’s sense of humor, her innovative technique brought attention to an important topic: respecting women’s autonomy and the natural act of breastfeeding. It serves as a reminder that society need to encourage and support moms as they face the difficulties of parenthood.
Breastfeeding is a lovely, organic process that has many advantages for both mother and child. Regardless matter where they are, it is imperative to provide a space where moms feel at ease caring for their infants. Promoting the wellbeing of moms and their infants requires providing support and understanding.
Thus, let us honor the bravery and tenacity of every breastfeeding mother out there. They should be commended for their commitment and love, not condemned. Breastfeeding is a journey that ought to be celebrated and embraced rather than kept secret.
Let’s keep pushing for the right to breastfeed in public and making sure that all mothers experience support and empowerment. We can all benefit from a more accepting and understanding society if we work together.
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