![]() Some attribute the game to Confucius and others think it goes as far back as Noah’s Ark. The history of Mahjong is not well-documented. Let’s begin by having a look at mahjong’s origins.Ī not very well-documented history of mahjong So here I am, trying to understand why the “respectful refresh” caused so much chatter. The gambling tool isn’t some sacred entity and I’ve definitely seen some creative takes on it over the years. The analogue game helps me to fight my smartphone addiction, as my hands are kept busy brushing tiles across the table, while trying to strike it big. I was less offended by their reinvention than by their pretentious copywriting.įor me, mahjong is a great way to connect with friends and prevent dementia. The US$425 nail polish-hued sets were cancelled before you could yell, “Get your mahj on!” How I felt as a mahjong enthusiast from AsiaĪs an avid mahjong player, I was amused that these “jaunty gals playing a civilized game with a wink” were getting cancelled for their extreme makeover that no one asked for. Subsequently, The Mahjong Line uploaded an Instagram post apologising for its hurtful words and disabled comments to stall the fury. The venture blew up on social media, with the 3 ladies behind The Mahjong Line called “Karens” and “colonisers” by internet users. One of the brand’s founders Kate expressed that she could not find a set of mahjong tiles “mirroring her style and personality”, leading her to reinvent the game. Recently, The Mahjong Line got called out on social media for cultural appropriation. If you're really looking to drop a pretty penny on a set of mahjong tiles though, perhaps you can consider these luxury sets from Tiffany and Co, Hermes or even the Singapore Airlines version.The Mahjong Line Got Called Out For Cultural Appropriation In a response to CBS News' enquiries, the founders said they were "committed to working with those who can further educate us on the Chinese origins of the game so that its deep-rooted traditions are not lost in the American take on it moving forward." "It's imperative our followers know we never set out to ignore or misrepresent the origins of this game and know there are more conversations to be had and steps to take as we learn and grow." "Using words like 'refresh' hurtful to many and we are deeply sorry," they wrote. With The Mahjong Line's painted, mo pai's likely to rub off the paint more than anything.įollowing the outcry and backlash from Chinese across the world, the brand's website has since been made defunct, and the founders have apologised for their actions through a statement on Instagram. One of the most common habits in playing mahjong involves mo pai (feeling the tile), which can only be done because the usual tiles have their designs carved into them. Would you have realised the sacks of flour were meant to represent flower tiles? Not us at first glance. It also serves to make the set of tiles familiar to players, as would any pack of poker cards. As a game of mahjong can be rather fast-paced (see every Chinese movie about it), the designs are meant for quick and easy identification. Some also felt that the company had completely missed the point behind the tiles' uniform designs. Many netizens criticised them for being disrespectful by ignoring the cultural significance and origins of the game, and for treating the game as though it were "some cheap colouring book".Įven Shang Chi star Simu Liu called them out for their insensitivity. And as they say, if it's not broken, why fix it?Ĭan you even "pong" with them if the tiles say "bam"?Īs none of the founders are of Asian heritage, the internet wasn't having any of it. Mahjong, which originates from China, is one of the oldest and most beloved games for Chinese all over the world. And it comes with the whopping price tag US$325 (S$428) to US$425.ĭespite the "minimal" description that they came up with, the hand-painted designs are anything but. ![]() The website features five different yet equally eccentric designs, in various neon colours. These mahjong tiles are part of The Mahjong Line's "refreshed" lineup, meant to mirror one of the three founders' more "fun" style and personality, according to an earlier version of the brand's "about us" page. ![]() In place of evenly-spaced dots, bamboos and Chinese characters, painted on these unusual mahjong tiles are lightning bolts, leaves, Arabic numerals and… sacks of flour? These are 'not your mama's mahjong' indeed. ![]()
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