Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Pride Month but what about BLM? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by RoaringDragonite
Does anyone think there’s a slight disconnect? I’m not trying to minimize anyone’s struggle, so I’m sorry if this offends anyone.
I just think it’s a little off that Starbucks as a company is so open and supportive of LGBTQ+ but at the same time doesn’t allow partners to wear BLM pins or T-shirt’s or generally show their support for racial equality.
I’m extremely proud that Starbucks is so supportive of their partners who identify as a non cis gender or orientation.
But I also want a company that will speak up for all civil rights and equalities. Lyft sent me an email last night about how it is donating rides to bail funds and other civil rights movements.
I’m not gonna say any more even though I feel like I could keep noting the disparity. I’m definitely not as informed as a lot of other people.
I’m just kind of sad that Starbucks is profiting off pride month with its retail but won’t even let partners express their personal opinions about racial equality.
I just think it’s a little off that Starbucks as a company is so open and supportive of LGBTQ+ but at the same time doesn’t allow partners to wear BLM pins or T-shirt’s or generally show their support for racial equality.
I’m extremely proud that Starbucks is so supportive of their partners who identify as a non cis gender or orientation.
But I also want a company that will speak up for all civil rights and equalities. Lyft sent me an email last night about how it is donating rides to bail funds and other civil rights movements.
I’m not gonna say any more even though I feel like I could keep noting the disparity. I’m definitely not as informed as a lot of other people.
I’m just kind of sad that Starbucks is profiting off pride month with its retail but won’t even let partners express their personal opinions about racial equality.
Dpark774 17 points 3y ago
I would guess it's because Starbucks considers itself a third place, and BLM is viewed by some (especially law enforcement) as anti-police and political...and Starbucks is a corporation, they don't want to unnecessarily alienate some patrons. But perhaps in light of recent events, that may change?
cs_phoenix 12 points 3y ago
While I definitely agree that the points you brought up are likely reasons for this difference, I would like to point out that some companies have also viewed the LGBT movement as political. i.e. Nintendo.
This of course doesn’t wipe away the moral dilemmas that starbucks faces.
This of course doesn’t wipe away the moral dilemmas that starbucks faces.
writersandweirdos 6 points 3y ago
Okay, but there’s the same risk of alienating patrons who are aggressively catholic, homophobic, etc? I agree with the point that as the third place, Starbucks shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for all minority groups. Black lives Matter does not equal anti-police. If we catered to everyone’s misinterpretation of civil rights movements, we’d never be able to support anything. There’s no reason Starbucks shouldn’t support a movement to have all races treated equally if they support groups making sure all genders/sexual-orientations are treated equally.
dodofishman 5 points 3y ago
no one should be tolerant of intolerance. starbucks simply does not want to lose money.
RoaringDragonite [OP] 1 points 3y ago
The anti police stigma Is a point I hadn’t fully considered. Two Starbucks in my neighborhood were vandalized/broken into last night and it’s pretty unnerving.
While it’s definitely tricky with regards to wording, I do think there’s a way to be supportive
While it’s definitely tricky with regards to wording, I do think there’s a way to be supportive
MonstrousGiggling 1 points 3y ago
Because lgbtq are just weirdos where as blacks are dangerous.
Not my opinion btw just stating that corporate disgusting mindset.
Not my opinion btw just stating that corporate disgusting mindset.
nightkat89 0 points 3y ago
Wow, shit words you used there friend
MonstrousGiggling 1 points 3y ago
Sure if you want to ignore the context in which I said them stating them as the corporate mindset. I'm not gonna sugarcoat that and I also stated it was not my view.
ReroFunk 0 points 3y ago
Crude words but they're not wrong. That's how the world sees it. It's why the media is portraying it as riots when they're nearly entirely peaceful. Because it fits the agenda that "black people are dangerous thugs". So of course they don't want to correlate themselves to it. The LGBT community can be seen as underdogs in a just fight, and although it's the same for black people fighting for rights RN, that's not how they're seen. I'm disappointed in Starbucks for not standing up as well.
captain-slammi 9 points 3y ago
It’s because you can market the lgbt.
Letsgoproles 7 points 3y ago
Because they’ve co opted Pride to make it just about fun rainbows instead of the challenge to the status quo and capitalism that it actually is. We see companies trying to do the same thing right now on Twitter. If the LGBTQ community continued down the tradition of Marsha p Johnson or Larry Kramer then Starbucks wouldn’t be supporting us; but so far we’ve let ourselves be taken over by the likes of Ellen and Lockheed fucking Martin at Pride. Let all companies tremble against our rage again and not satiate us with rainbow cup holders.
soraah97 6 points 3y ago
Have you seen their social media? They ARE speaking about it , theres even a whole letter from the CEO about the current situation and Starbucks was open to talk about Black History Month too by sharing stories of partners and customers.
To be honest I joined this sub reddit cause of the memes and stories, but lately I see so MUCH complain and negativity. Our job isnt perfect, our company isnt perfect either but lets be real , its one of the most human companies Ive seen and worked so far. Perfect? No. But jeez guys , start with yourself, start with your local store, your partners and city.
You are part of this company too.
To be honest I joined this sub reddit cause of the memes and stories, but lately I see so MUCH complain and negativity. Our job isnt perfect, our company isnt perfect either but lets be real , its one of the most human companies Ive seen and worked so far. Perfect? No. But jeez guys , start with yourself, start with your local store, your partners and city.
You are part of this company too.
whatismineisyours 7 points 3y ago
In my opinion their insta/twitter post from yesterday(?) or the day before about standing with black partners was such a non-statement. Once again, in my opinion, Starbucks is so afraid of hurting people's feelings that it hardly takes a stand, resulting in pretty lame statements.
But I also do believe that this partner is trying to start something with themselves, their local store, and fellow partners but is being told "no."
But I also do believe that this partner is trying to start something with themselves, their local store, and fellow partners but is being told "no."
soraah97 1 points 3y ago
We can not forget we are talking about a huge company , its not as much as afraid of hurting peoples feelings but being very carefull with words in order to avoid misinterpretation, one word wrong and it could lead to a backlash, we are talking millions. I see many huge companies that wouldnt even think about making such posts. Honestly I didnt see it as a lame statement but of course some people might have wanted a more straight forward approach.
Regarding the partner , I hope they can find ways to help their partners and community in this difficult time , if wearing t-shirts and being told no is the problem , Im afraid that would have to be discussed by many superiors since it would go against some of the rules and if allowed it would have to become allowed to every single partner in every single store in the world and thats not a easy or quick change to make.
Regarding the partner , I hope they can find ways to help their partners and community in this difficult time , if wearing t-shirts and being told no is the problem , Im afraid that would have to be discussed by many superiors since it would go against some of the rules and if allowed it would have to become allowed to every single partner in every single store in the world and thats not a easy or quick change to make.
RoaringDragonite [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I didn’t post this to try to complain. I’m just trying to wrap my head around everything that’s been happening lately. I work at a Starbucks in the heart of manhattan and I’ve been really worried about my partners. Mostly insofar as everyone gets to and from work safely.
But I also want my partners to feel like they’re able to express themselves and I think equality is basic enough that they should be able to. (Equality should be a basic human right, that if not achieved could at least be something we support openly.) I understand that there are special extenuating circumstances. But lately my DM and SM have been pushing everyone to do whatever possible to make the customers happy.
A lot of the time this means bending over backward no matter what they do or say or want.
My store’s customer connection is at a 51 and while I think it’s great we can support our communities I know a lot of my partners feel like they’re losing themselves.
So yes. There are things I feel are crushing on my store level. But overall as well, I guess I’m kind of looking for support.
But I also want my partners to feel like they’re able to express themselves and I think equality is basic enough that they should be able to. (Equality should be a basic human right, that if not achieved could at least be something we support openly.) I understand that there are special extenuating circumstances. But lately my DM and SM have been pushing everyone to do whatever possible to make the customers happy.
A lot of the time this means bending over backward no matter what they do or say or want.
My store’s customer connection is at a 51 and while I think it’s great we can support our communities I know a lot of my partners feel like they’re losing themselves.
So yes. There are things I feel are crushing on my store level. But overall as well, I guess I’m kind of looking for support.
[deleted] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
soraah97 1 points 3y ago
I hope everything goes well for you and your partners , as well as your families.
Im not sure exactly why your partners are feeling like losing themselves at work, if its for lack of safety or lack of discussion. Ive read your comment and I feel like I should apologise, Ive been quite fed up about the negativity around this sub reddit but I admit thats not the case here.
Where I live , all the partners get in touch with each other, the DM and SM ofc have to push us to think abt the customer cause of Starbucks values, and Im okay with that, thats my community im helping have a better day. But they are also very supportive of their own partners , always asking us if we need anything and what not, sending us prayers etc. Im sad to hear you dont have such support and I hope you can find ways to help your partners and yourself feel better and safer , even without the help of your DM and SM.
Again sorry for saying you were being negative and complaining , although I still keep my statement that Starbucks is still one of the most human companies ive seen and worked
Im not sure exactly why your partners are feeling like losing themselves at work, if its for lack of safety or lack of discussion. Ive read your comment and I feel like I should apologise, Ive been quite fed up about the negativity around this sub reddit but I admit thats not the case here.
Where I live , all the partners get in touch with each other, the DM and SM ofc have to push us to think abt the customer cause of Starbucks values, and Im okay with that, thats my community im helping have a better day. But they are also very supportive of their own partners , always asking us if we need anything and what not, sending us prayers etc. Im sad to hear you dont have such support and I hope you can find ways to help your partners and yourself feel better and safer , even without the help of your DM and SM.
Again sorry for saying you were being negative and complaining , although I still keep my statement that Starbucks is still one of the most human companies ive seen and worked
Guilty_Owlz 4 points 3y ago
Its because LGBT+ is more accepted in the mainstream and therefore more marketable and profitable, whereas BLM isn't, especially as it tends to create a lot of controversy with white people (even though it shouldn't). # BlackLivesMatter
RoaringDragonite [OP] 3 points 3y ago
Yes! It’s that in a nutshell. I wish it would come down to what’s right and not what is socially acceptable.
cfuqua 1 points 3y ago
gotta hit that bottom line
Koffee-Brown 3 points 3y ago
The longer I work for this company, the more I see how the face they put on is VERY different from who they ACTUALLY are. I don’t mind celebrating 🏳️🌈, but I also would like Starbucks to acknowledge social change that needs to be achieved and use their resources to help support that. Simply adding a Spotify “Black History Month” playlist is not the business. In doing my part, I gave away free coffee for all of February. I guess now it’s going to be BLM month...it’s the least they could do. ✊🏽
codeyumi 3 points 3y ago
Our most recent third place training was straight up cop propaganda so I think it’s safe to say starbucks isn’t planning on allowing that sort of stuff anytime soon
yurpgirl 1 points 3y ago
\^\^\^ literally! I watched the pour over session today and I was... so disappointed and angry. and they had no direct statement to black partners about their safety/support. they only posted #blacklivesmatter on social media after immense pressure. any partners know of ways to file complaints about it?
[deleted] -1 points 3y ago
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