Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does the KC let these crazies use their theater?

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/stepping-into-the-uncanny-unsettling-world-of-shen-yun/amp

They paid to rent the space? Is there a problem with religious organizations renting performance venues?

There is a problem with a fundamentalist religious organization misrepresenting religious propaganda as a cultural experience. KC should properly advertise the show as a cult spewing science denialism.

I saw it a few years ago...my family was taken by my mother-in-law. She liked treating us to shows. We were all excited - I had seen the TV ads and thought it looked fun. Hadn't googled.

All the cult stuff aside:

1. Crap production values. The dancing is not that good, and the costumes are CHEESY. The big thing was disappearing dancers - there was a short wall in the back and they were able to go over the wall and disappear...supposed to be magical. Again, cheesy.
2. Rampant homophobia! There was booing. We booed.
3. Unintentional hilarity. At one point there was a giant picture of Karl Marx being threatening. Then there was a giant wave taking him down. We were ROTFL. It was unbelievable!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does the KC let these crazies use their theater?

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/stepping-into-the-uncanny-unsettling-world-of-shen-yun/amp

They paid to rent the space? Is there a problem with religious organizations renting performance venues?

It is when the venue isn't transparent about the performance.

Why are you afraid of the KC being transparent?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the Shen Yun DC web site clearly describes itself as “China before communism” and as a “Heavenly gift” and that ancient China was “divinely inspired” and has a “rich spiritual heritage.”

“Cult” is OP’s characterization. But OP is pretty clearly a racist and hate-filled anti-theist.

BTW, religion and culture go hand-in-glove.

Not sure why you think it’s necessary for the KC to label it a “cult” when its religious themes are transparently emphasized on the organization’s web site.

Why do you think the Kennedy Center needs to hide the religious background to get people to watch this show? You don't think they'd go if they had all of the facts?

Why do you think think the KC is “hiding” anything? I found the description to be accurate. You sound like a right wing conservative complaining that some media outlet isn’t covering some story they think is important.

They are hiding the religious aspects of the performance:
"Shen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Traditional Chinese culture—with its profoundly optimistic worldview and deep spiritual roots— was displaced by communism in China. Today, only the New York–based Shen Yun is keeping this precious heritage alive on stage. And it’s an experience that will take your breath away."

Why are you afraid of the KC being transparent?

Deep spiritual roots are not consistent with science. What did you expect?

This cult isn't "traditional Chinese culture". It's a RWNJ spinoff of "Chinese culture".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the Shen Yun DC web site clearly describes itself as “China before communism” and as a “Heavenly gift” and that ancient China was “divinely inspired” and has a “rich spiritual heritage.”

“Cult” is OP’s characterization. But OP is pretty clearly a racist and hate-filled anti-theist.

BTW, religion and culture go hand-in-glove.

Not sure why you think it’s necessary for the KC to label it a “cult” when its religious themes are transparently emphasized on the organization’s web site.

Why do you think the Kennedy Center needs to hide the religious background to get people to watch this show? You don't think they'd go if they had all of the facts?

Why do you think think the KC is “hiding” anything? I found the description to be accurate. You sound like a right wing conservative complaining that some media outlet isn’t covering some story they think is important.

They are hiding the religious aspects of the performance:
"Shen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Traditional Chinese culture—with its profoundly optimistic worldview and deep spiritual roots— was displaced by communism in China. Today, only the New York–based Shen Yun is keeping this precious heritage alive on stage. And it’s an experience that will take your breath away."

Why are you afraid of the KC being transparent?

Deep spiritual roots are not consistent with science. What did you expect?

I expected deep spiritual roots, not the current right-wing propaganda against evolution.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I noticed you chose not to highlight - twice - the most important part “Falun Dafa”. Researching them probably would have helped you decide to not go to the performance.

I was somewhat aware of Falun Dafa because I often see them meditating and exercising very slowly in parks. I never thought that they were as fundamentalist as the religious right.

I think your only recourse is to contact the box office. Not sure you would get a refund but what else do you want at this point?

I have serious doubts that I would get a refund. Probably raising awareness would be more successful. I was considering an open letter to Kennedy Center to terminate their association with Shen Yun. If Kennedy Center wants to be seen as a progressive institution they should not provide a respectable platform to a retrograde group.

I thought being "progressive" meant accepting different religions (and cultures) whether or not you agree with it or not.

I don't understand why you think the Kennedy Ctr ahoukd distance themselves from them? Bc you personally found it insulting?

Because they are promoting an anti-science message. I can be accepting of any nonsense you believe in until you want me to accept it as a universal truth. We've been through dark times when the religious right was trying to teach religion in schools as an alternative to evolution. I don't want to relitigate that.

So freedom of speech as long as you agree with the message?

Where did I say that? I keep saying and I will say it again: spread your nonsense, but don't mislead me into supporting you spread your nonsense.

Right here

I can be accepting of any nonsense you believe in until you want me to accept it as a universal truth

Freedom of speech requires you to accept their right to tell you to believe. Further, their freedom of religion allows them to apostolize. If you don't like it, you need to find another country.

I had no idea that I have to accept their right to tell me what to believe! I better have some cookies and milk for the next time when Jehovah's Witnesses knock on my door. Is there a constitutional requirement for how long I have to listen to their nonsense?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the Shen Yun DC web site clearly describes itself as “China before communism” and as a “Heavenly gift” and that ancient China was “divinely inspired” and has a “rich spiritual heritage.”

“Cult” is OP’s characterization. But OP is pretty clearly a racist and hate-filled anti-theist.

BTW, religion and culture go hand-in-glove.

Not sure why you think it’s necessary for the KC to label it a “cult” when its religious themes are transparently emphasized on the organization’s web site.

Shen Yun is advertised as a representation of thousands of years of Chinese culture, not fundamentalist religious propaganda. I have no interest in supporting a fundamentalist religious organization. I didn't use the name "cult" because I noticed how easy you get triggered.

This.

This program is how Evangelical Christianity destroys indigenous cultures around the world.

They divorce ‘cultures’ from indigenous practices and beliefs that created, nurtured, preserved, and passed on these traditions for 1000s of years. Essentially, removing the thread that bonded it all together.

Falun Gong is not a Christian sect.

Anonymous wrote:Why does the KC let these crazies use their theater?

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/stepping-into-the-uncanny-unsettling-world-of-shen-yun/amp

They paid to rent the space? Is there a problem with religious organizations renting performance venues?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the Shen Yun DC web site clearly describes itself as “China before communism” and as a “Heavenly gift” and that ancient China was “divinely inspired” and has a “rich spiritual heritage.”

“Cult” is OP’s characterization. But OP is pretty clearly a racist and hate-filled anti-theist.

BTW, religion and culture go hand-in-glove.

Not sure why you think it’s necessary for the KC to label it a “cult” when its religious themes are transparently emphasized on the organization’s web site.

Why do you think the Kennedy Center needs to hide the religious background to get people to watch this show? You don't think they'd go if they had all of the facts?

Why do you think think the KC is “hiding” anything? I found the description to be accurate. You sound like a right wing conservative complaining that some media outlet isn’t covering some story they think is important.

They are hiding the religious aspects of the performance:
"Shen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Traditional Chinese culture—with its profoundly optimistic worldview and deep spiritual roots— was displaced by communism in China. Today, only the New York–based Shen Yun is keeping this precious heritage alive on stage. And it’s an experience that will take your breath away."

Why are you afraid of the KC being transparent?

Deep spiritual roots are not consistent with science. What did you expect?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically, OP feels deceived and wronged. There is nothing anybody can say to take away OP’s outrage. For OP’s mental health, I would suggest that OP reach out to the KC- explain to it how dishonest it is not to have a disclaimer as to fundamental religious views, racism, harassment and abuse, and any and all other themes that can be triggering or cause offense in any of their shows.

I have a better idea. I can raise awareness on public forums and on social media. Next time when I see Shen Yun in town, I will come back and post a warning about the scam they are running. Those who are comfortable supporting a fundamentalist religious organization can still go and see their show. Those who are easily triggered by nothing burgers like science denialism will be aware what they are getting into.

No, I have an even better idea! Get some posters made about how they scammed you and peacefully protest out front. No doubt you’ll be very successful. You’ll have the opportunity to warn everyone else BEFORE they go in. They’ll LOVE you!!!!

I did lose almost $500, but I am not THAT committed. I will stick to forums and social media, hopefully I reach people before they even buy the tickets rather than before they go in. I am sure they will love me even more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically, OP feels deceived and wronged. There is nothing anybody can say to take away OP’s outrage. For OP’s mental health, I would suggest that OP reach out to the KC- explain to it how dishonest it is not to have a disclaimer as to fundamental religious views, racism, harassment and abuse, and any and all other themes that can be triggering or cause offense in any of their shows.

I have a better idea. I can raise awareness on public forums and on social media. Next time when I see Shen Yun in town, I will come back and post a warning about the scam they are running. Those who are comfortable supporting a fundamentalist religious organization can still go and see their show. Those who are easily triggered by nothing burgers like science denialism will be aware what they are getting into.

No, I have an even better idea! Get some posters made about how they scammed you and peacefully protest out front. No doubt you’ll be very successful. You’ll have the opportunity to warn everyone else BEFORE they go in. They’ll LOVE you!!!!

I’m glad OP gave a heads up before I bought tickets.

Why does the KC let these crazies use their theater?

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/stepping-into-the-uncanny-unsettling-world-of-shen-yun/amp

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically, OP feels deceived and wronged. There is nothing anybody can say to take away OP’s outrage. For OP’s mental health, I would suggest that OP reach out to the KC- explain to it how dishonest it is not to have a disclaimer as to fundamental religious views, racism, harassment and abuse, and any and all other themes that can be triggering or cause offense in any of their shows.

I have a better idea. I can raise awareness on public forums and on social media. Next time when I see Shen Yun in town, I will come back and post a warning about the scam they are running. Those who are comfortable supporting a fundamentalist religious organization can still go and see their show. Those who are easily triggered by nothing burgers like science denialism will be aware what they are getting into.

No, I have an even better idea! Get some posters made about how they scammed you and peacefully protest out front. No doubt you’ll be very successful. You’ll have the opportunity to warn everyone else BEFORE they go in. They’ll LOVE you!!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean the Shen Yun DC web site clearly describes itself as “China before communism” and as a “Heavenly gift” and that ancient China was “divinely inspired” and has a “rich spiritual heritage.”

“Cult” is OP’s characterization. But OP is pretty clearly a racist and hate-filled anti-theist.

BTW, religion and culture go hand-in-glove.

Not sure why you think it’s necessary for the KC to label it a “cult” when its religious themes are transparently emphasized on the organization’s web site.

Shen Yun is advertised as a representation of thousands of years of Chinese culture, not fundamentalist religious propaganda. I have no interest in supporting a fundamentalist religious organization. I didn't use the name "cult" because I noticed how easy you get triggered.

This.

This program is how Evangelical Christianity destroys indigenous cultures around the world.

They divorce ‘cultures’ from indigenous practices and beliefs that created, nurtured, preserved, and passed on these traditions for 1000s of years. Essentially, removing the thread that bonded it all together.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you OP for starting this thread. I had no idea. I was meaning to buy tickets but now I am definitely not!

+1 We had planned to take DS to it but no way now!