'Race Together' causes a stir: Your Say

Letters to the editor:

Probably the most defining and comforting aspects of the coffee shop experience are that an individual not only picks the beverage of his or her choice, but also how he or she would like to enjoy it ("Race Together," Special section). Why does Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz feel the need to force an issue such as the state of race relations on patrons?

Is it not enough that, at a typical Starbucks, individuals of varying races, religions and political leanings simply "drink together"?

Brian Mai; Laurel Springs, N.J.

We need a discussion about white privilege as much as one on race. When white people (I am one.) talk about race, it is easy for us to think that it is someone else's issue. We also have a racial identity, one conferring benefits we simply do not notice.

Men seldom acknowledge their gender privilege and must do so if gender equity is to be achieved in society. Similarly, white people need to acknowledge the racial privilege we enjoy if we are going to be successful in addressing racial inequities.

Eve Sullivan; Cambridge, Mass.

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

I get the thought behind this effort, but if I stop in for a cup of coffee, that's all I want. Keep your opinion on race to yourself, and I'll do the same.

— George Raab

Apparently, a lot of people don't want to be reminded that racism is still pretty widespread in this country. Hence the campaign sparked many nasty remarks.

— Steven John

People just don't want to be preached to about race when they're buying their coffee.

— Jay Rizoli