Source: www.washingtonpost.com - Thursday, March 19, 2015 A barista holding a Starbucks iced tea drink with a “Race Together” sticker on it at a Starbucks in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Hey there, coffee drinker. Welcome to Starbucks. Take your time with deciding. Notice the recently added Tiramisu Latte. It comes with a “ dusting ” of cocoa powder. Have you heard? Images emerged yesterday showing a bloodied, African American University of Virginia student screaming “racists” at white cops arresting him. What are your thoughts on the racial implications? [ Racial tensions flare at U-Va. after a black student sustains head injuries during arrest ] What’s that? You just want a macchiato? Sure thing. While we wait, did you hear about the white University of Oklahoma frat boys? Yep, the ones singing that racist song — wait, what’s that? Yes, sir, your macchiato will be ready in just one minute. [ Oklahoma frat’s racist chant highlights the exclusionary roots of Greek life ] Of all the things that can make Americans feel squeamish — in-laws, hair-in-food — few matters are more likely to elicit discomfort than discussions of racial tension with a Starbucks barista. But despite the apparent and much commented upon pitfalls of such an endeavor, this is exactly what Starbucks wants: lattes and real talk on race. But the noble idea, called “ Race Together ” and introduced this week, has been greeted with groans. A Daily Beast commentary called it “brewtally dumb.” From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wAll Related
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