ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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For me. this thread generates some interesting questions.  When I read the
first e-mail, I had an immediate negative response to the quote. I even
called Starbucks.  Now I am rethinking my first response when I looked at it
in context.

First the quote was not used to promote a point of view or a belief or to
support the author's point of view (it says so on the cup).  It is also not
a matter of Starbucks "taking sides." It seems to me that its intent is to
throw out ideas to provoke some thinking or discussion in the tradition of
coffee houses.  And that it did!   I often sit with a group at Starbucks to
"solve the world's problems."   None of us had ever paid any attention to
the quotes on the cups.  So I shared the one here.  It provoked some quality
discussion.  Mostly that Wells must be an awful biologist.  And it made some
in the group more aware of the struggle for understanding we often find in
science.  By the way - we checked out many other cups in the store and found
that the range of quotes contained some interesting ideas.  

As for me, I often throw out controversial ideas to challenge my thinking as
well as that of others.  That does not mean that I support the ideas, but
that sometimes it is beneficial to look at extreme sides of an issue and see
where it goes.   

Congratulations to Starbucks for at least trying to briefly stimulate our
minds and attempting to expand on the "tradition of the coffeehouse."  Maybe
there is an idea here for our museums. Do controversial ideas have a place
in museums?  Can these ideas be launching pads for exploration?  How do we
get conversation and debate going between our visitors? 

Oh, but the way, why don't some of us generate some ideas about science
learning that just might make it onto one of the cups.  Mac Sudduth (are you
there?) posted a wonderful message about what science is about a year or
more ago.  It should be on cups in science museums as well as at Starbucks.
And here is mine:  "Information is a tool - Not a destination."  

Send out some quotable comments from you.

Bill Schmitt
  

     

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amanda Chesworth
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 6:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: starbucks

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*

Since posting the other day I've learned of a pro-evolution quote that
adorns Starbucks take-out cups.

"Evolution as described by Charles Darwin is a scientific theory, abundantly
reconfirmed, explaining physical phenomena by physical causes. Intelligent
design is a faith-based initiative in rhetorical argument. Should we teach
ID in America's public schools? Yes, let's do - not as science, but
alongside other spiritual beliefs, such as Islam, Zoroastrianism and the
Hindu idea that Earth rests on Chukwa, the giant turtle."

-- David Quammen, author, his books include _The Song of the Dodo_ and _The
Reluctant Mr. Darwin_

That's a pretty good quote I suppose. Quammen is a great writer but the
"..in rhetorical argument" will likely be lost on many.

I suppose I can see their reasoning behind this new marketing ploy but I
still don't think misrepresenting science is equal to offering a medium to
share conversation. And presenting Wells as "a scientist, a biologist" when
a quick google search will show just how credible a scientist he is, then
presenting Quammen as an "author" in comparison is again, an inaccurate and
misleading portrayal and works to sway people towards the former.

I received a reply from Starbucks. I've included it at the end of this
email. I don't think it's simply a matter of me personally disagreeing with
the quote, as the letter states. They go on and on about their commitment to
social responsibility and I see this as running contrary to that mission. 
More importantly though, many others have raised excellent reasons why I'd
be better off making my own coffee so I've been practising the art of
steaming milk. It's really quite difficult! My next feat will be to convince
my sister to turn her back on Starbucks.. and that, I'm afraid, is about as
likely a reality as ID.

Amanda,



Thanks for taking the time to write about "The Way I See It." Starbucks has
long been dedicated to creating a unique "third place" between home and
work. We also draw on the centuries-old tradition of the coffeehouse as a
place to gather, share ideas, and enjoy delicious beverages. We see this
program as an extension of the coffeehouse culture - a way to promote open,
respectful conversation among a wide variety of individuals.



Because this program is meant to encourage discussion and the exchange of
ideas, your feedback is very important. In fact, it's a vital part of the
conversation.



I can understand that you do not appreciate it when speech that you disagree
with appears in "The Way I See It." Our goal with "The Way I See It" is to
create a balanced forum for discussion. To do this, we have invited authors
representing a wide range of views. Not everybody we have invited has chosen
to participate, but we will continue to make this program an inclusive one.



We also invite all customers to contribute their own quotes for
consideration, and to give us feedback in our "letters to the editor" 
section on the website. If you would like to contribute a quote for the cup,
or to respond to a particular cup you've seen, please feel free to do so!



Sincerely,



Ryan J.

Customer Relations Representative

Starbucks Coffee Company





If you would like to share your thoughts about your experience with
Starbucks Customer Contact Center, please click on the link below to
participate in a short survey.  Your comments will be used to ensure that
any future experiences with Starbucks Customer Contact Center meet your
highest expectations.



http://www.starbuckscontactcenter.com/star_ccc_index.asp?group=CR&template=C
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