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Latest update: 12/09/2012
- France - racism - USA
Paris Starbucks under fire for racist caricature
A racist illustration drawn by a Starbucks employee in Paris has the coffee chain in hot water after a photo of the caricature was posted online, sparking a cross-Atlantic outcry and talk of similar incidents at other branches.
By FRANCE 24 (text)
A Starbucks branch in Paris has come under fire for allegedly subjecting a Korean-American customer to a racist slur. Instead of asking for the customer’s name, which is normally written onto the customer’s cup in order for identification once their beverage is ready, the employee penned an offensive caricature in its place.
A friend of the customer posted a photograph of the illustration on forum Reddit on Tuesday, sparking outrage among web users and attracting the attention of the American press within hours.
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When a similar incident became headline news earlier this year in Alpharetta, Georgia, Starbucks quickly dismissed the employee and posted the following apology online: “Starbucks does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and has a lengthy history of leading on and supporting policies that promote equality, inclusion and diversity. We were disappointed to hear of the poor experience this customer had in our store and have apologised to him several times. This experience is unacceptable and not indicative of the welcoming and respectful service we strive to offer our customers in our stores.”
Starbucks has yet to comment.
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(21) Reactions
run of the mill
Chinese American here, born and raised in southern CA. This kind of things happen a lot. Two days ago someone cut me off so that he could pass 3 cars to get onto the on ramp. I honked to let him know he made a reckless move. Then I continued driving straight and passed him a few seconds later. His lane cleared up so he sped up to cuss at me. This is funny to me b/c if I made a dick move and someone honks, I usually think to myself, "yea my bad" then try to wave as an apology. But this guy rolled down his window and started yelling. My music was on and I didn't bother to roll down my window but I did notice that he was pulling the skin on his face to make his eyes slanty. I thought to myself, "you're a bad driver and a dick" haha.
But I realize that I'm somewhat of a well adjusted citizen and that in my teen years/early twenties I might have responded negatively as well.
What is it about people that makes them resort to racial slurs when they get angry? And what is it about our culture that promotes this type of humor?
Not racist
Racist would be that the man was refused service. Whatever happened to a sense of humor? Get a life folks!
Political correctness
Political correctness is ruining my country, (US)….France is better than that! Nationally stand up to this nonsense…if you get your feeling hurt get over it…grow up…enjoy every minute of every day for life is way too short….and there is no better place on God’s green earth to celebrate life than FRANCE….
"I am a Asian, and I think
"I am a Asian, and I think that Korean-American is a jerk, am I a racist?"
No, you're a lacist!
I'm sorry, I know that was bad :(
I just couldn't help it :)
Paris Starbucks under fire
absurd.
give me a break. i guess everyone's a racist now. *sigh*
ho hum. get a life.
Really?
I think every customers should demand their name on the cup and spelled properly in their native language.
颋乜 乂丬入睡 thanks you
It's PC-BS
Get over it
Wow, I use my nick name "Shaggy" on all my fast food orders, and if someone drew a picture of the Cartoon on my order, I don't think I would have a "Hissy". I think alot of people need to grow up and realize that you have no RIGHT not to be offended. If you are then vote with your pocket book, and don't spend your money there. The Chick-Fil-A incident was a perfect example of a very Vocal Minority finding out that they aren't quite as Morally superior as they thought they were.
When I was a kid, getting
When I was a kid, getting your caricature done cost extra! What ever happened to "fun?"
Look
Isn't this terrible?
What an axxhxxx.