Forbidden Starbucks
The Starbucks empire is often lampooned for its many, many stores, but the coffee giant has lost one of its most prominent locations. Responding to the demands of more than half a million citizens, the Chinese government closed down the Starbucks in the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing.
The Starbucks empire is often lampooned for its many, many stores, but the coffee giant has lost one of its most prominent locations. Responding to the demands of more than half a million citizens, the Chinese government closed down the Starbucks in the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing.
While a coffee stand might not seem out of place in the Louvre, there was something truly bizarre (and approaching self-parody) about the sight of that familiar Starbucks decor in the middle of carefully preserved ancient Chinese atmosphere.
Coffee fans, fear not. Starbucks still has plans to colonize every other street corner in the world. Just kidding … kind of.
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…BBC:
The Starbucks outlet was forced to close in July, having long been accused of tarnishing the historical site.
The shop, which opened in 2000, sought to quell the protests two years ago by removing its distinctive signage.
But the move failed to satisfy its critics. An online campaign earlier this year led by a state television personality drew more than 500,000 signatures.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Film Review
Pema Tseden’s “Snow Leopard” caps a career at the crossing of modernity and tradition.
Asia Pacific
It's about much more than fossil fuels.
World
If so, it would be another step in Beijing’s rise to global power.
Politics
The truth about the origins of the COVID-19 virus should never have been a partisan issue — but can the political damage of the early pandemic be undone?
In this slim volume, Wasserstrom brings us into the world of Hong Kong’s activists while explaining the current and historical context underlying their cause.
A roundup of the latest news on the world's coronavirus pandemic.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.