What I Never Got To Ask My Barista During #RaceTogether

Last week Starbucks launched an initiative to encourage people to talk about race by writing the hashtag #RaceTogether on customers ‘ cups. This hashtag would invite a conversation between the customer and the barista over racial issues. After immediately being met with criticism, #RaceTogether was over as soon as it began. I didn ‘t even get a chance to participate, but if I had, here are things I would have asked.

• Can I sing the Notorious B.I.G song “Juicy” at karaoke?
• If it fits me well, can I wear Fubu?
• Does it seem like I ‘m trying too hard if I watch Empire? What if I talk about it all the time?
• What ‘s a dap?
• Am I allowed to say I relate to Kendrick Lamar ‘s new album?
• Even though it ‘s a holiday, should I work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
• Can a black person be racist?
• Shouldn ‘t there be black Band-Aids?
• Can I own the DVD of Roots? What if I display it prominently?
• Is this the way we deal with race now? Hashtags?
• Has anyone ever bought a cake pop?
• When Norah Jones comes in here is she embarrassed to hear her own music?
• Is the fall the absolute worst time to work at Starbucks?
• Are there any workplace romances?
• If yes, oooooh,spill the deets.
• When people buy an egg-salad sandwich here, does it bum you out?
• Is it super annoying that you are required to engage in discussions about race when you thought you could just get high, come to work, and make coffee?
• Do you dare me to walk in the bathroom barefoot?
• Is giving a gift card the easiest way to tell someone you don ‘t really know them?
• How long until we can stop racing together?
• Will \#RaceTogether just organically fade away?
• Sorry, I actually don ‘t want to buy anything, but what ‘s the WiFi password here?

Image via USA Today