Earlier this year, protests arose about the lack of English on Chinese store signs. Amidst the protest, Vancouver Sun blogger Douglas Todd made several blog posts that criticized Chinese-only signs in Canada. I personally disagree with the criticism aimed at Chinese businesses.

Other businesses in Greater Vancouver do not face restrictions on their store display signs, so why target Chinese stores in Richmond? Doesn’t this go against the multicultural values of Canada? The Canadian Multicultural Act states that the policies of the government “ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity.”

Moreover, the decision for businesses to favour a Chinese sign is not necessarily due to cultural conflict; it is a business decision. A business owner’s first priority is to appeal to the majority of consumers and statistics from the 2011 Canadian Census show that in some areas of Richmond the population is approximately 80% Chinese. Thus, displaying Chinese-dominated signs makes sense from a business perspective.

Mr. Todd argues that Europe and the United States would never accept such policies, which is why we need to set a new standard for multiculturalism for the world to follow. In my opinion, instead of criticizing Chinese businesses, we should embrace them and welcome them to the community.

References:

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/03/16/english-should-predominate-in-richmond-signs-many-chinese-agree/

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Chinese+signs+Richmond+hand+says+delegation+appealing+more+English/8105095/story.html

Although Apple’s iPhone 5c is supposed to benefit the company, many believe that the discount phone will do more harm than good.

In the weeks prior the release, rumours that the “C” stood for “cheap” spread like wildfire. Apple, however, announced that the cheapest version of the iPhone 5c will cost $599.00. Consequently, the iPhone 5c could end up in limbo. It is not cheap enough to compete with lower end phones and does not have the same product quality as higher end phones.

Furthermore, introduction of the iPhone 5c could shift Apple away from its luxury brand status. In the past, Apple took pride in the luxury products that they offered and charged a premium for them. The introduction of a discount iPhone could tarnish the reputation that Apple spent so many years building up. Selling a discount product will take away from the exclusiveness and prestige of a luxury brand, which is a reason why Lamborghini and Maserati don’t have lower end cars.

In short, despite concerns, I believe that Apple will sell millions of the discount iPhones. While this may be beneficial in the short-run, Apple may not be so lucky in the long-run.

References:

http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/Does_Apples_cheaper_iPhone_hurt_its_brand_15201.aspx

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/10/us-apple-iphone-idUSBRE98908I20130910

http://www.androidcentral.com/apple-s-iphone-5c-announcement-won-t-change-anything