Anonymous wrote:They are members of Falun Gong. Tens of millions of people in China practiced Falun Gong until there was an incident where the leader of falun gong protested something the CCP did - which resulted in 10,000 people showing up to protest. The ability of Falun Gong to organize a protest like this scared the CCP and then Falun Gong was banned and then anyone that practices it is basically imprisoned, turned into slave labor, tortured and even killed - there is even organ harvesting. The same thing has happened to the Uyghurs. I know this group has some weird beliefs but I am glad they have survived the CCP's attempt to completely destroy them and still speak out. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1999/04/26/silent-protest-draws-thousands-to-beijing/e0b7ee29-eec6-48ba-b6a6-5cd10980ec77/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Relax, it’s not hate speech, it’s simply a different belief. If you disagree, don’t go to the show. I’m not a fan, but I think it’s important to be tolerant and open to hearing other peoples’ opinions. Remember the quote- “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

I am so happy that you would defend my right to say whatever I want about Shen Yun, even if they might get upset with my speech. It is extremely nice of you!

I do actually support your right to express your opinion, the same as I support Shen Yun. The thing that concerns me lately is cancel culture, when people who express unpopular opinions are boycotted or lose their livelihood. It has such a chilling effect on free speech. This wasn’t so much of a problem before social media.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

And yet Shen Yun constantly fundraises in this area to support their fundamentalist religious propaganda. More people should become aware of what they are supporting.

That’s right, the key distinction is that it’s fundraising and proselytizing. It’s not a dance group that has a set of beliefs, it’s a religious organization that created the dance group for the purpose of furthering their religious agenda. It’s deceptive and distasteful.

So gross.

What an articulate comment! Please say more!

Do you really need me to expand on it? It’s pretty straightforward: people who deceptively push their religion are disgusting.

I think Shen Yun must had been pretty clear about it during the performance or you wouldn't be here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

And yet Shen Yun constantly fundraises in this area to support their fundamentalist religious propaganda. More people should become aware of what they are supporting.

That’s right, the key distinction is that it’s fundraising and proselytizing. It’s not a dance group that has a set of beliefs, it’s a religious organization that created the dance group for the purpose of furthering their religious agenda. It’s deceptive and distasteful.

So gross.

What an articulate comment! Please say more!

Do you really need me to expand on it? It’s pretty straightforward: people who deceptively push their religion are disgusting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

And yet Shen Yun constantly fundraises in this area to support their fundamentalist religious propaganda. More people should become aware of what they are supporting.

That’s right, the key distinction is that it’s fundraising and proselytizing. It’s not a dance group that has a set of beliefs, it’s a religious organization that created the dance group for the purpose of furthering their religious agenda. It’s deceptive and distasteful.

So gross.

What an articulate comment! Please say more!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Relax, it’s not hate speech, it’s simply a different belief. If you disagree, don’t go to the show. I’m not a fan, but I think it’s important to be tolerant and open to hearing other peoples’ opinions. Remember the quote- “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

I am so happy that you would defend my right to say whatever I want about Shen Yun, even if they might get upset with my speech. It is extremely nice of you!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've seen the adds for years and I finally googled the name. Everything I read was positive and I decided to give it a shot. What can go wrong in a show presented in a prestigious cultural venue like Kennedy Center? Big mistake. Relatively early in the show you learn that "Between atheism and evolution, Satan lurks." Close to the end, they make sure to send the message again: "Atheism and evolution are the Devil's deceit." As atheist and scientist, I was shocked that I ended up supporting a fundamentalist religious group, while the show is advertised as a Chinese cultural experience. I am not sure what options I have at this point, but I don't want to just let it go.

Religion is part of culture. China is incredibly diverse and there’s no one single cultural experience that encompasses it. This includes a plethora of religious identities ranging from fundamentalist in any faith to atheism.

You can go ahead and preach your religion, but don't pretend that it is an artistic endeavor. If your "culture" includes bashing evolution and atheism I might not want to support it.

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

Anonymous wrote:The reviews are magnificent so thousands are enjoying it. It’s described as magical and beautiful. People travel to see it. It’s not allowed to be performed in China. Shows sell out because of its beauty. I think it would be worth trying it!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've seen the adds for years and I finally googled the name. Everything I read was positive and I decided to give it a shot. What can go wrong in a show presented in a prestigious cultural venue like Kennedy Center? Big mistake. Relatively early in the show you learn that "Between atheism and evolution, Satan lurks." Close to the end, they make sure to send the message again: "Atheism and evolution are the Devil's deceit." As atheist and scientist, I was shocked that I ended up supporting a fundamentalist religious group, while the show is advertised as a Chinese cultural experience. I am not sure what options I have at this point, but I don't want to just let it go.

Religion is part of culture. China is incredibly diverse and there’s no one single cultural experience that encompasses it. This includes a plethora of religious identities ranging from fundamentalist in any faith to atheism.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

And yet Shen Yun constantly fundraises in this area to support their fundamentalist religious propaganda. More people should become aware of what they are supporting.

That’s right, the key distinction is that it’s fundraising and proselytizing. It’s not a dance group that has a set of beliefs, it’s a religious organization that created the dance group for the purpose of furthering their religious agenda. It’s deceptive and distasteful.

So gross.

Anonymous wrote:Relax, it’s not hate speech, it’s simply a different belief. If you disagree, don’t go to the show. I’m not a fan, but I think it’s important to be tolerant and open to hearing other peoples’ opinions. Remember the quote- “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2022

And yet Shen Yun constantly fundraises in this area to support their fundamentalist religious propaganda. More people should become aware of what they are supporting.

That’s right, the key distinction is that it’s fundraising and proselytizing. It’s not a dance group that has a set of beliefs, it’s a religious organization that created the dance group for the purpose of furthering their religious agenda. It’s deceptive and distasteful.

Anonymous wrote:The reviews are magnificent so thousands are enjoying it. It’s described as magical and beautiful. People travel to see it. It’s not allowed to be performed in China. Shows sell out because of its beauty. I think it would be worth trying it!