CoFfeE gRoUNdS

Personally, I can't stand coffee that tastes like dirt. I also can't stand paying nearly twice as much than other places for coffee that tastes like dirt, or in some cases, burnt dirt. Honestly what's the point of that? 

It's the only reason why I have largely avoided the franchise as much as possible. Some have done the same for different reasons. Everything from the target audience and a perceived elite class being aimed at to the overall price for a cup of java with all the perks (no pun intended). For me, it just boiled down to how the coffee tastes. I know plenty of folks that don't mind paying more for quality. Most of us have no problem doing that. However, when you reach into your wallet for that credit card or wad of cash, you are making an investment in the institution. 

If the abuse of chickens is an important concern for you, there are certain fried chicken purveyors that you may want to investigate a little further before making that investment. If you are not a supporter of certain hate groups, then there are certain well known household names you would do well to avoid. Now, if you don't like racism and racial profiling, you may need to look for another coffee grinder for your local non habit forming drug of choice: Your daily cup of coffee.

In a news story this past Thursday afternoon, "two black men were handcuffed and paraded out the door of a Philadelphia Starbucks for allegedly refusing to leave when asked by staffers and police in an incident captured in a video that went viral and prompted the chief executive officer of the coffee company to say that the "reprehensible outcome" should have never happened."

(courtesy of ABC News) The video posted by Melissa DePino can be found at this link: https://abcn.ws/2GXwMfp 

In an interview with ABC News, Melissa DePino, a 50 year old writer and mother of two, said a Starbucks barista shouted from behind the counter at the two men to make a purchase or leave. 

"They were sitting quietly minding their own business, and waiting for their friend to come," she said.

DePino said she was so appalled by the incident, she plans to not go anymore to Starbucks.

"Plenty of other local places to go," she said.

On Saturday evening, the mayor put out another statement saying he was "heartbroken" to witness what "appears to exemplify what racial discrimination looks like in 2018. For many, Starbucks is not just a place to buy a cup of coffee, but a place to meet up with friends or family members, or to get some work done," he said in the statement.   

If you have read any of my blogs, you know what I'm about. Just to be transparent, this is not how I wanted to cap off my 100th blog article (which is a milestone for me that I am proud of), however, I am not going to engage in a debate about if the two gentlemen were at fault, or if the police was, or if the barista and manager at Starbucks was, or if all parties contributed to this situation. You don't have to be a person of color to understand there are some problems in our world that require decisive action and definitive change. I'm assuming that you can make your own determinations on that without getting too high emotionally. 

What I would like to offer here is an opportunity for you to consider the line of thinking that I began earlier in this article. 

The situation you read about and watched the video regarding may not have happened to you personally but how does it make you feel? Does your heart burn when hearing this news? Are you indignant about investing your hard earned dollars in a franchise that directly or indirectly supports discriminatory practices? Is your cup of joe more important than this basic human principle? Companies don't tell you this directly but it is implied that they rely on your willingness to buy their product in order to be successful. If you don't buy what they sell consistently enough, they'll likely come to you faster than otherwise to find out why they don't have your business. You won't have to engage them. They'll engage you. Guaranteed. Who does it sound like has the power in this scenario? 

Now we have to realize that we indeed have influence in situations like these. There is not shortage of coffee shops in Philly, i.e. Grindcore, Greenstreet, and Elixr, just to name a few. That message speaks just as powerfully as the signs in the hand of a protestor. There are times in life where a stand has to be taken and, more often than not, our "voice" is best heard through retweets, You Tube videos, protests, but most notably,  the power of your money.

Kudos to Mrs. DePino who recorded this video that garnered more than 8 million hits and exposed a situation that could have remained isolated had it not been recorded. Kudos to the customers who stood up vocally for the two men in the face of law enforcement and the store's management. Kudos to the protestors who attempted to shine a light on this situation so that it does not go unnoticed or so quickly leaves the public's consciousness. Kudos to all of you who will share this article. Kudos to all of you that remember that what you choose to financially invest in is symbolic of your power and your heart. Use it wisely. 

Now that I give this further thought, this was the perfect article to commemorate my 100th blog post. I don't know who it's appropriate to thank. Hard to find a winner in this scenario. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you have ever gone through or witnessed anything similar. Or just share what you would do if you have. We're just honored to hear from you. Thank you for supporting MTWMY.