I work as a barista in a Canadian coffeehouse franchise called 'Second Cup'. We've been using the label 'Skinny' on our drinks for nearly a year now (When some one orders a 'Skinny' we only use Skim milk instead of regular 2%), way before Starbucks started and never has anyone complained about it. Its never caused a problem up here and I'm not sure why it would be causing a problem in the States. I would think people would be more offended by saying 'Fat Free' or 'Non-Fat' rather then 'Skinny'
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Feb 22, 2008 14:12:35 PM
It's offensive because People are sensitive
The way I see it (remember, this is an opinion) people who are NOT taking care of themselves are looking at the ad, see the word SKINNY and get upset. Im inferring this from my old mentality. When I was overweight and I would look at thin women or have people suggest that I go with a "diet" drink rather than a regular one and I would sneer at them.
Its bogus. The attitude not the ad. I got in shape and the truth is it's not your size, it's your health and the other truth is, most of America is shoveling crud down their throats and then wonder why they don't look the way they may want to and sneer when they see others that do and cry out in offense when a agency or company suggests an alternative option. And did you know America's standard of obesity is higher than any other country? I don't mean we have MORE obese people (we do though), I mean they set the charts differently as an attempt to bring down the percentage of obesity the country holds. Technically, America is letting their country be fatter than the rest of the world, we just don't want to admit it. Diabetes anyone? Heart Disease? I'll take mine with a side of cellulite. Thanks. And it's really not about looks people - Queen Latifa is beautiful but she makes it loud and clear that she wants to be HEALTHY. Ingesting too many calories and high fat content everyday (and the WRONG calories and wrong fat mind you) is just not good.
I'm no size 4. So it's not like im sitting here being all high and mighty. The phrase Skinny Latte has been around for years - people just don't like it getting pushed in their face because it makes them feel bad. (Same way I hated the word Diet being pushed in mine, even if it was for my own health) Most people just don't think about the fact that the only person who can make them feel bad about themselves is them (mind over matter). Starbucks wants to promote a healthier drink vs their 350 cal. frozen drinks (ps. thats what about a quarter of what some people should intake a day.. more?), Good for them. Amer. needs to be more healthy conscious and get over "WORDS." THEY ARE JUST WORDS. move on.
Michele
of
@
Feb 21, 2008 09:31:27 AM
demeans fat people?...get a life
How in the he** does that ad demean fat people? For god sake, if you are that sensitive then you must be fat and know it already.
I'm fat my dang self and I don't bust up crying everytime I walk past the magazines in the food stores that show all those skinny sexy people. Good gosh we have become such a country of "you hurt my feelings cry babies".
Hatesthewaytheycry
of NC
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Feb 20, 2008 22:47:46 PM
Highly offensive.
I think the ad demeans fat people who make up a significant portion of the population. How about a little sensetivity Starbucks?!
of DC
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Feb 20, 2008 16:09:02 PM
Rage against the Starbuck's machine!
You pay way too much attention to the ads. Are you just trying to generate hits to your blog by creating a non-existent controversy? Skinny latte rage!
jabberwocky
of CA
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Feb 20, 2008 13:28:12 PM
Offensive??? OMG
It is amazing what a hand full of idiots can get going these days. The ads are not offensive in any way. The only thing I find offensive is how the small groups of pissed off diaper wetters can get something started simply because they have no freaking life.
Go join Al Gore's team, you are 100% qualified that is for sure!
Hatesthewaytheycry
of NC
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Feb 20, 2008 10:37:14 AM
Why is this an issue?
When did the word or concept of "skinny" become owned by women? I work out five days a week, count calories and watch my diet, so the moment I saw these ads I thought "Great! They realize that some of us would like to have our latte and enjoy it, too!" I felt they were addressing people like me.
If men thought something like this zeroed in on them it would be dismissed as male ego. Starbucks is offering a product for people who count their calories and watch their fat intake, and they gave their product a name that carried ONLY that connotation. Can we stop the Oprah-ization of women in which the fairer sex is always a victim? Or is fairer sex somehow politically incorrect, too? Somebody give me a scorecard. Sheesh!
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
jdkaymxc hqwncubm of AL @ Mar 20, 2008 01:13:34 AM
bvmunfds tcea of AL @ Mar 20, 2008 01:12:19 AM
hryztavlf efgtn of AL @ Mar 10, 2008 05:04:45 AM
@ Feb 22, 2008 14:12:35 PM
Michele of @ Feb 21, 2008 09:31:27 AM
Hatesthewaytheycry of NC @ Feb 20, 2008 22:47:46 PM
of DC @ Feb 20, 2008 16:09:02 PM
jabberwocky of CA @ Feb 20, 2008 13:28:12 PM
Hatesthewaytheycry of NC @ Feb 20, 2008 10:37:14 AM
Damarco of WV @ Feb 20, 2008 10:12:47 AM
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