According to the dictionary, diversity means:
the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness: diversity of opinion. 2. variety; multiformity. 3. a point of difference.
According to the Starbucks coffee company, they honor and respect diversity . . . except when one's diversity from their norm goes against what they might disagree with these days. The following link to a recent declaration by Starbucks sure says a lot what they will 'allow' as diversity.
http://joemiller.us/2013/03/starbucks-ceo-no-tolerance-for-traditional-marriage-supporters/#ixzz2OdKs3Ijz
Our world is comprised of millions and millions of people and not any two people think entirely alike. Given the differences, we are allowed to disagree but should not be allowed to physically, mentally, financially, or socially hurt another simply because they hold values that do not coincide with our own. We all have our reasons for the way we believe which can be social, ethnic, religious, etc. The beauty of America, as founded, was that we could all be one country and allowed the freedom of being ourselves.
The most recent 'discussion' on the American table is whether same-sex marriage should be legal. There are hardly any people taking a middle of the road stance on this. The arguments continue and will do so until the Supreme Court makes the final determination. Although, I, like many others, have my own view on the matter, it seems sad that a business that should be open to the public (It's called making a profit!), would challenge people that oppose their view to don't bother coming into their place of business.
Now, I know that I may be shopping at places that aren't in line with my moral standards in life but a company is allowed to donate where they will. My husband's boss doesn't tell him what organizations or charities he should be allowed to support with his salary. I feel the same way about businesses that provide the groceries, necessities of life, recreation, etc. They use their profits for their personal agendas. That is their right, it is the American way of life.
However, after reading about the attitude of the Starbucks Company, I have to wonder how they can claim diversity yet with the same breath tell the opposition that they are not welcome to invest or even patronize their establishment. What dictionary did they extract the meaning for diversity.
We like Starbuck's coffee and often, in the past, treated ourselves and friends to one of their offerings. The menu is varied and the coffee drinks are usually pretty good. Now that the CEO of Starbucks has strongly stated his no tolerance policy for anyone against his concept of tolerance, I think it is time for our family to start checking out the smaller coffee establishments. If I had stock in the company, it would have been sold the day the Starbuck CEO made his statement. If I want coffee, there are other places. Not doing this for vindictiveness but rather to honor the CEO's wishes. One doesn't go where one isn't wanted and the CEO has made it pretty clear that he'd rather lose stockholders and business than actually celebrate the diversity of this country.
