Sign for tea
On Sept 20, the popular milk tea chain Chagee opened its first "Silent Store" in Shanghai at Zhengda Joy City in Xuhui district.
In addition to a self-ordering mini app, the store is equipped with writing boards and sign language menus, allowing hearing-impaired customers to place their orders easily.
Furthermore, all staff members at the store have received professional training in sign language to ensure accurate and effective communication.
Since it's difficult for hearing-impaired individuals to find work, the store also provides employment opportunities for them.
Xu Pei, from East China's Jiangsu province, is one of the staff members at the Silent Store. Although she is hearing-impaired, she is fully capable of doing her job after receiving professional training.
"I used to hold a desk job, and there were many inconveniences at work. But with the Silent Store, not only has my salary increased, but I also feel a sense of fulfillment," she said in an interview with the Shanghai Morning Post.
To help more hearing-impaired individuals integrate into society, for every order sold at the Silent Store in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province, the company will donate 1 yuan ($0.14) to a special welfare fund in the consumer's name, aiming to pass on the kindness and warmth.
Magic in diversity
Since the announcement of the new HBO TV series Harry Potter last year, it has captured global attention. The series has recently opened a casting call in the UK and Ireland to find young actors for the three main characters — Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
"We are currently only able to consider children who are aged 9 to 11 in April 2025," the notice read.
However, the latest casting call has sparked discussions, as the casting team specifically stated, "We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting."
The call noted that qualified performers are invited to apply for the roles "without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated".
However, some netizens believe that if one truly wishes to create a diverse and inclusive work, one should tailor new scripts and productions specifically for actors of various backgrounds rather than inserting them into beloved classic stories that the public is familiar with. This approach may appear to be an easy way out for the production and investment sides.
"In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and JK Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all these years," said Casey Bloys, HBO and Max CEO, when the reboot was announced last year.
Hopefully, the final product will not stray too far from everyone's collective memories and interpretations.
