Starbucks has unveiled new spring-themed cups (to mixed responses), a campaign from upcoming film Ghost in the Shell backfires, a Millennial woman standing up against racial abuse is being called a hero, and more links that are trending right now…
A New Viral Starbucks Cup is Here!
For the first time ever, Starbucks is debuting limited-edition spring-themed cups, and as expected they’re already generating plenty of buzz online. The retailer has run into trouble in the recent years for their holiday cups with a more minimalist design, with many debating whether the lack of Christmas symbols was an attack on Christianity. Their new cups sport a clean aesthetic, coming in three pastel colors inspired by Pantone’s spring trends. Instead of the famous logo, each cup has an empty white circle for customers to decorate themselves, or a simple doodle to inspire creativity. Internet response so far has generated mixed emotions, with many anticipating potential backlash.
Ghost in the Shell’s Campaign Backfires
Soon to be released film Ghost in the Shell has sparked outrage over whitewashing thanks to its casting of Scarlett Johansson as an Asian character, and critics have highjacked the movie’s latest campaign to express their displeasure. A new promotional video showcasing Johansson’s character is leading viewers to a site where they can create meme-like images with the film’s tagline. The prompt has led to a viral response, with many using the opportunity to speak out against the film with messages calling out the casting. One Twitter user who uploaded her creations—including one with a picture of Johansson and the caption “I am not Japanese”—has been retweeted over 6,000 times and liked by over 8,000.
Internet Hails Millennial Woman On NYC Subway
A video of a young woman standing up against racial abuse on a NYC subway has gone viral, reaching views of almost 1.5 million. Tracey Tong is being hailed as a hero after confronting an older woman who was harassing a subway rider wearing a headscarf with questions like “Why are you in this country?” Tong, who is of Chinese and Peruvian decent, spoke to the woman in both Spanish and English, asking her to respect others and remember “We’re all in this together.” Our PC Police trend revealed that Millennials feel a responsibility to stand up against hurtful behavior and speech, with nearly seven in ten 13-33-year-olds saying they would speak up after hearing/seeing something offense.
Lego Tape Goes Viral
“Genius.” “A great idea.” “A game-changer.” These are the ways people are describing the Lego tape that has gone viral on crowdfunding site Indiegogo. Nimuno Loops is an adhesive tape covered in Lego-like bumps that can be applied on any surface—even around corners—allowing users to build with Lego blocks, Mega Bloks, and Kreo virtually anywhere. With the endless possibilities, many are asking why Lego didn’t come up with it first. It’s not surprising that the product not only reached their crowdfunding goal of $8,000 but already surpassed it, raising $600,000. (And they still have another month to go!)
Links We’re Passing
BBC Dad gets a viral working mom parody, a very excited and entertaining Jack Russell has made an impression at Britain’s Crufts dogs show, and a teen trapped in her room uses Snapchat to document her harrowing (and very funny) escape.
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