Three White American Women Redesigned Mahjong Tiles for $425 a Set, Sparking Cultural Appropriation Controversy

Key Takeaways

• A Dallas-based company, The Mahjong Line, led by three white women, faced backlash for culturally appropriating mahjong, a game deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, by selling redesigned sets for $325-$425.
• Critics accuse the company of erasing Chinese culture by suggesting the traditional game needed a "respectful refresh" and replacing traditional symbols with images like bubbles and bags of flour.
• The controversy highlights a broader issue of cultural erasure and the importance of respecting and understanding the origins and significance of cultural practices and games.

A recent venture by a Dallas-based company, The Mahjong Line, has stirred a significant controversy over cultural appropriation and the erasure of Chinese culture. The company, founded by three white American women, has been accused of disrespectfully redesigning mahjong tiles, a game with deep roots in Chinese history and culture. Selling for between $325 and $425 a set, these redesigned tiles were promoted as offering a "respectful refresh" of the traditional game, aiming to appeal to "the stylish masses."

The backlash was swift and intense, with many on social media criticizing the company for its lack of sensitivity and understanding of the game's cultural significance. Critics argue that the redesign, featuring images like bubbles and bags of flour and the addition of Arabic numerals, strips away the traditional Chinese symbols and, with them, the game's rich heritage.

Mahjong, a tile-based game developed in China, carries layers of cultural significance and has been a medium through which intricate social and cultural practices are conveyed. Its introduction to the U.S. in the early 20th century saw the game gaining popularity among various communities, including Chinese-American circles. The game's complex history and cultural resonances were highlighted in a 2018 article by Taiwanese-American columnist Jeff Yang, which analyzed a scene from the hit movie "Crazy Rich Asians."

The Mahjong Line's approach has been criticized for showing "a real ignorance" of the game's history, according to historian Anneliese Heinz, who has studied its crossover into American culture. Critics emphasize that while mahjong has evolved over time and geography, any adaptations should engage genuinely and respectfully with the cultures connected to its origins.

In response to the outcry, The Mahjong Line issued an apology, acknowledging their failure to properly honor the game's Chinese heritage and expressing regret over the use of terms like "refresh." They also stated their openness to constructive criticism and ongoing conversations to gain further insight into the game's traditions and roots in both Chinese and American cultures.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to respect the origins and significance of cultural practices and games. It underscores the fine line between cultural exchange and cultural appropriation, urging creators and entrepreneurs to proceed with mindfulness and respect for the traditions they wish to engage with or reinterpret.