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China's New Cultural Revolution

Thank you very much for turning the spotlight on China's emerging creative class ("The Next Cultural Revolution," June). Actually, though, China has been creative for thousands of years--as long as its history. China's Great Wall, for example, is not only the world's longest fortress but also one of the world's oldest architectural wonders. Compasses, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing are also among the greatest Chinese inventions, according to the British science historian Joseph Needham.

Yuki Shirato
Tokyo, Japan

What a great piece! I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai and Beijing last year. Saw plenty of the new and creative, as well as the old and traditional in my too-brief tour. One could feel the energy there on every street corner and behind every set of eyes. This article captures it so well! Also, I absolutely agree with the last quote: "Everyone, it seems, is ready for a renaissance of creativity." Why not China? Good work, Mr. Chen.

Dian Schaffhauser
Nevada City, California

I want to thank you for my 12-year-old son's newfound interest in global business. After seeing your June cover, he has asked me several times to read the article entitled "The Next Cultural Revolution." It appears he enjoys your magazine for the good articles.

Please consider your audience. I found the June cover to be highly inappropriate for a business magazine of this caliber. There is a dramatic difference between creative and trashy, and if I were part of China's creative class, I would certainly feel degraded by this portrayal. On page 72, you have a picture of a very creative and modern building that could have easily made a great cover. Then again, my son wouldn't have such an interest in your magazine.

Mark E. Vander Kooy
Indianapolis, Indiana

I am a big fan of your magazine, and I share it constantly with my staff colleagues. But as a Chinese-American, I take offense at the cover of your June issue. Your cover looks like something that belongs on the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated, or the cover of some men's magazine. Ziyi Zhang is a great actress, but putting her on your cover takes away from your feature story.

Phil Tom
Louisville, Kentucky

The virtue I admire most about Fast Company is its emphasis on social capitalism. To unreservedly exalt a regime that seeks to exploit the financial benefits of capitalism while actively repressing basic human rights erodes the higher moral ground you've done so well to build as a business magazine. To get a more balanced perspective on China and its serious issues dealing with personal freedoms and massive income disparity, a good starting place is the Amnesty International Web site.

Doug Case
Boise, Idaho

Mouseketeers!

I just wanted to say nice job on "Brave New Mouse" (June). I know it's tough for behemoth companies to finally accept change, but I feel Disney has started to embrace digital media and really get a core belief system based around it as the future.

Being from a video-game background, we've always been the ones who were labeled as the bleeding-edge change in entertainment. But I truly believe that--while, yes, games do have their place-- digital distribution and some relatively modest changes in formats of noninteractive entertainment is where the brass ring lies.

Daniel Chisholm
Los Angeles, California

I just finished reading the article on Albert Cheng and the Disney-ABC Television Group. I thought it was a very well-written and candid piece on an exec of a traditionally noncandid company when it comes to interviews. It shows that even the Mouse House recognizes that times are changing.

Ray Doustdar
Los Angeles, California

Nau Is the Time

I wanted to drop a quick message to let you know how refreshing and exciting it was to see the article about Nau ("Leap of Faith," June). What drives these triple-bottom-line businesses, as well as how they come about and what their strategies for growth are, is truly fascinating. The article was inspirational, educational, and a kick in the butt for all of us out there who want to do good and do well.

Anand Pillai
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania