Battling Southern heat is no joke – even God’s strongest soldiers struggle to get through it. But who would’ve thought getting a basic necessity like water would be up for debate? That’s what one USPS worker faced when she stopped at a local Starbucks during her route and was denied a cup of water. She took to TikTok to share her recent encounter – and people are heated.
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In the now-viral video, which has racked up nearly two million views, the USPS worker posted, “Imagine working out of a tin can in 100-degree heat, trying to stay alive and walking into Starbucks for a cup of ice water, and they tell you NO!”
After the video began to gain traction, the USPS worker, who uses the handle @melaninglowesthetics, posted a follow-up video giving more context about the incident. “It was really hot outside, and I was delivering a package to Starbucks. I had already finished the water that I pack every day in my cooler,” she began. “So I’m in there, I’m delivering the package and I’m just like, ‘Hey, can I have a small cup of ice water?’ She tells me after I buy something first, she can give me the water, but she can’t just give me the water.”
She made it clear the issue wasn’t about entitlement – she even offered to use her bottle of water. “I bought a bottle of water. But again, I am human. I show up every day in extreme heat, wearing my uniform, in a truck with no A/C. I love my job, I love my customers, and I love my route. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have bad days.”
She explained that she usually keeps cold water in her cooler, but she ran out on that day.
Comments quickly poured in. While most people showed support, others were critical, expressing that she should have been more prepared. But the worker didn’t hesitate to respond: “To everyone who’s saying, ‘Well, come prepared, bring your own water. Nobody owes you anything,’ I come prepared every day. I always do. But some days I run out. That doesn’t make me irresponsible. It makes me human.”
Before ending the video, she emphasized that it wasn’t about free water; it’s about human decency. “But it’s not even about the free water. It’s about just basic human kindness. That’s all. I’m just asked to be seen, like, as a human being. I’m not complaining. I’m sharing, and if one video about me asking for a cup of water bothers you that much, you should really ask yourself why.”
TikTok users continued the conversation, expressing their frustration with the company’s response. “A carrier died from the heat. We need to show some more compassion,” referencing recent tragedies where USPS postal workers in Dallas and North Carolina passed away from heat exhaustion while working in the heat with no air conditioning in their trucks.
Another added, “Denying anyone water is absolutely crazy. Water is a basic human need. You should be able to go to any palace and get a cup of water. Same for if you need to use the restroom.”
A third user chimed in, “So sorry. These corporations need to put humanity first. They see everything throught the lens of money.”
Earlier this year, Starbucks reversed its open-door policy, now requiring customers to purchase before receiving a complimentary water or using their restroom. According to Atlanta Black Star, Starbucks confirmed that, “All customers who make a purchase while visiting our stores can enjoy complimentary water during their visit.”
The company even noted that all employees are trained to act with “empathy and kindness”, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The USPS worker did not disclose which Starbucks location in which the incident took place.
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