Wheres does one get a great cup of coffee in Tijuana? Starbucks of course! Albeit not necessarily at Tijuana Mexican prices, a cup of coffee costs about the same as it does back in the States. We recently ventured on an outing for a fresh cup of coffee at to the new Galerías Hipódromo. Sitting in the patio, enjoying my favorite brew I noticed this sign on the window at Starbucks.
“Our establishment does not discriminate against social or cultural conditions”.
As I snapped this image, my market researcher background kicked into full gear and I immediately noticed the social classes and the demographics of the people who were inside Starbucks. There were young students, middle age women, older business men and of course us. I noticed iPhones, iPads, computers and lively conversation and the constant Nextel churp.
In terms of languages being spoken we heard Spanish, English and babies crying… What I saw did not enlighten me into why Starbucks would need to post type of signage on their doors. Instead I saw, a cross section of the population common throughout Tijuana minus the native Indian populations. Watch the video below.
What I refer to the new Tijuana which is young new mixed in with the middle age, but founded on the traditional old – yet not Native Indian.
And that is when it hit me, maybe Starbucks is trying to protect the native Indian populations that are mostly living in poverty and may not be able to afford shopping at this mall? Maybe the sign is meant to protect the native populations from being discriminated against getting access to their coffee fix?
…
Several months earlier there were local opera signers using the venue to showcase their voices.
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I did not create this video – but as I watched and read the comments.
The comments are filled with people who point the the opera as a sign of better times, a refreshing start in a new direction. A time where the city can turn a page and become something new… or newer and opera is the sign of the cities sophistication. But does this really reflect where most of Tijuana sees itself or where it is heading? Especially if stores still have to place notices about how they do not discriminate in plain view?
Personally, the Galerias felt safe, open, and most importantly the site is clean. The parking lots felt secure and there was amble signage, security camaras and security personnel were visible. This is not meant to be a review of the Galerias instead more of an impression that from all social levels can come here and gather, meet up and enjoy as we did a cup of coffee (and free wifi).
We especially hope to see more Natives speaking in their Native tongues the next time we visit.
Malls should attract people from all walks of life and all of Tijuana is better for it. #mybrisas
