Even though I tend to be an opinionated person with strong views, I often keep those opinions and views to myself in order not to offend certain friends and family members. I worry all the time about ruffling people's feathers so much that they won't like me anymore. I've kept my mouth shut about this for a while, but I feel the time has come for me to speak up about an issue I hold near and dear to my heart.
It seems, folks, that 2014 has become the year of hating on pumpkin spice. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people exclaim, "This pumpkin spice fad needs to go!" I have seen Buzzfeed articles poking fun at products that shouldn't be flavored with pumpkin spice. In general, it seems the fun thing to do is make jokes about or condemn pumpkin spice. What is the deal? Was President Obama drinking pumpkin spiced coffee when he saluted those marines? Do the descendants of the creator of pumpkin pie spice oppose gay marriage? Or are they in favor of it? Are ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and clove really that detestable? Why did we not hate on citrus or cucumber melon so much in the days when they were so ubiquitous?
I have seen all kinds of posts being shared all over social media about why you shouldn't drink #PSL because it is not, in fact, a health beverage. Is it not okay just to drink it because it tastes awesome? Or, the outcry among the world when Starbucks brought #PSL "too early" for their liking. What's with that? Autumn, my friends, is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The air gets cooler, the leaves turn amazing colors, and caramel apples are readily available. Hayrides are fun. Jumping in leaf piles is fun. Where is your sense of childlike wonder, people? Can't we just hold on to that feeling a little longer by starting, say, in August?
I really hope all this hating on pumpkin spice dies down. I don't like having to order pumpkin spiced drinks at the coffee counter in a hushed voice. I don't appreciate having to watch over my shoulder to see if anyone is looking, and then picking out the least assuming-looking cashier when I buy pumpkin spiced items in the same manner I do when buying feminine products.
Can't we just get huffy about things that really matter in the fall, like being forced to buy pasteurized apple cider?
