A Texas-based company that makes precious, brightly colored mahjong boards apologizes after critics called the redesign of the popular culturally insensitive Chinese game.
The Cheeky line, for example, replaces traditional Chinese symbols with bubbles, lightning and has plates decorated with flour bags and a Whoopie pillow.
The designs and language of the website were not very good for many people on social networks, who said that eliminating Chinese characters erases the cultural importance of the game.
The company apologized and updated much of its website language on Wednesday and removed a photo of the three women who founded the company from the About It page. The company has not stopped selling any of its games.
“It is imperative that our followers know that we have never set out to ignore or distort the origins of this game, and we know that there are more conversations and steps as we learn and grow. We are always open to constructive criticism and continue to hold conversations with those who can provide additional insight into the traditions and roots of the game in both Chinese and American cultures. “
Why the company decided to “refresh” the boards
Lee, who works for an affordable housing developer in San Francisco’s Chinatown, told CNN that he was appalled by the changes.
“This is a product with hundreds of years of tradition and culture and each piece has a meaning and is just a complete disregard for any of them,” he said.
Lee said his mother taught him how to play mahjong as a child.
“Every time my family gathers, we take out the tiles and play,” he said. “It’s a way for me to stay in touch with my culture.”
“I’m beyond disappointed by the atrocity you did. Sorry, MY CULTURE was too boring for you and not fashionable enough?” she wrote.
She told CNN that she does not have to insult the traditional game to justify her cartoons.
“They said, you know, ‘We create this based on the fact that we got bored of the previous designs, we didn’t feel that they were, you know, interesting enough or fresh enough,'” she said. “Which completely denies the fact that the original design existed, because, honestly, there are some variations (of the game), as in the 1800s.”
Ge thought the company’s apology was somewhat lacking and said he hoped they would listen to criticism and give Asian people significant roles in their leadership team.
The Mahjong line continues to sell all its sets on its website.
“We stand by our products and are proud to be one of the many companies that offer a wide range of boards and accessories for the game of American mahjong,” LeGere said in a statement. “That being said, we take full responsibility that, in our attempt to introduce new plates, we have unintentionally recreated an experience shared by many Asian Americans of cultural erasure and are working to correct this mistake.”