Recently I heard from the Internet someone complained that having the Starbucks in the forbidden city is not proper, because Starbucks is one typical symbol of the American culture and opening a starbucks in the symbolic monument of Chinese culture gives a hint of the invasion of western culture into Chinese culture. Someone might say it is a bit over reactive. I could give you one example from my experience of how Americans responded to it.
Several years ago, I took one opportunity to accompany my American friend’s daughter, Kristine, to the Forbidden City. She was very interested in ancient Chinese culture and took pictures everywhere, mostly scenery pictures. When she found out that there was a starbucks there, she was so surprised and told me that she did not expect that she even could have her favourite coffee at her favourite historical place. She especially asked me to take a picture for her in front of the Starbucks. To my surprise, she also liked Chairman Mao much and asked me to take a picture for her in front of the big poster of him. I thought she would hate him because it is Chairman Mao who fought against Americans and built the communism.
My opinion is that if it is allowed to open a business in the Forbidden city, by following the national policy of free market economy, why should we give the foreign brand the discrimination? At least people could have their quality drinks there. I might start caring this issue when the second Starbucks open in the Forbidden City. At least, I still want that place is like a home for Chinese emperors, instead of a White House. That is the main reason people go to visit there.
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