Why does the iconic New York City paper cup look so… Greek?
The designer of the cup, Leslie Buck, arrived in the U.S. after fleeing the Nazis during World War II. He joined a new company called “Sherri Cup” in the ’60s. He designed the cup, with no art training, with a Grecian theme and in the colors of the Greek flag, to appeal to… Greeks. It turns out that a large portion of the city’s diners at that time were owned by Greeks. It was an instant hit.
So, we have immigration, ethnic occupational segregation, and Buck’s ingenuity to thank for decades of cozy, New Yorky feelings inspired by that little cup.
Buck died this April. You can read his obituary, and the whole story of the cup, at the New York Times.
Lisa Wade, PhD is an Associate Professor at Tulane University. She is the author of American Hookup, a book about college sexual culture; a textbook about gender; and a forthcoming introductory text: Terrible Magnificent Sociology. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Comments 12
Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist — May 12, 2010
I'm also curious who designed those little traditional Chinese carry-out boxes (white boxes with red designs of pagoda and flowers)...
J — May 12, 2010
You can actually buy a ceramic version of the cup; it looks just like the paper version!
K — May 12, 2010
My parents are from NYC, so I've grown up with the phrase "Greek diner." Are these not commonly known outside of NYC?
Jeremiah — May 12, 2010
"ethnic occupational segregation."
......fascinating concept. Never really considered it that way. May deserve some explicating?
iamjennie14 — May 12, 2010
I'm surprised at how timeless this piece of "art" has been. Even after a few decades diners in New York still use the design of this cup. This really symbolizes the history of the region.
I've lived in many regions of the United States and I've never encountered this cup. But I'll be sure to look out for one when I'm in New York next time.
I'm also curious at how the "ethnic occpuational segregation" is different in these ages versus a few decades ago. Could there be another invention in diners within the next few months that will last as long as these cups?
wendl074 — May 12, 2010
I think it is really amazing that someone with no experience created a city wide phenomenon! I also really love the idea of blending cultures, who knew that a simple coffee cup was capable of such a thing! People have always said, play to the masses and you will never lose... clearly this is true... all Greek owners = all Greek cups, it makes perfect business sense! But the amazing thing to me is how timeless the cup has proven to be. Who knew that a cup with a single design would be so welcomed and appreciated for an extended period of time?! This cup almost seems iconic and to me that is not only a bit strange but very cool and unique at the same time... New York is again the city of surprises!