Demand Removal of Xenophobic Yellowface Poster from Chicago Magic Lounge
The Issue
As a minoritized (Black) woman who was once a part of the vibrant Chicago Magic Lounge, the harm caused by the display of a xenophobic 'yellowface' vintage poster in CML's entrance library of Chung Ling Soo, who was a White American magician named William Ellsworth Robinson. Robinson extensively used yellowface in his act to falsely represent himself as a Chinese man who spoke little English in the 1900s.
Adding insult to injury, I was terminated by phone prematurely without proper reasoning or warning, adding to the unfairness prevalent in the setting.
In the diverse melting pot of cultures that is Chicago, this poster stands as a blatant offense to Asian members of our community, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. It tramples upon the principles of fairness and equality we should uphold and fight for.
From a broader lens, the U.S. saw a sharp surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans, increasing nearly 150% across 16 major cities in 2020, according to the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. In Chicago alone, anti-Asian hate crimes did rise, underscoring the need to eliminate symbols and instigators of hate.
Promoting respect and understanding within our diverse society goes beyond simply refraining from open acts of discrimination. It's also about eradicating any form of racial stereotype from our shared spaces. The Chicago Magic Lounge's website states:
"All are welcome. Magic crosses all barriers. Magic is for everyone."
CML does not live up to these words to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. As a former employee, these words did not match the main leadership's actions.
It is this sense of duty toward our community that prompts this urgent demand for the Chicago Magic Lounge's owners and leadership. We ask for the immediate removal of the offensive poster of Chung Ling Soo, seeking to encourage a healthier, more inclusive environment. Your powerful signature can drive this essential change. Please join this campaign and sign the petition.
Note:
Since Friday, August 23, I have asked my community to contact the Chicago Magic Lounge directly with this request; some have already contacted CML. I share this to say that I do not know if the Chung Ling Soo poster still hangs in the CML library since those requests. Unfortunately, due to my experience with CML, I do not feel safe finding out.
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The Issue
As a minoritized (Black) woman who was once a part of the vibrant Chicago Magic Lounge, the harm caused by the display of a xenophobic 'yellowface' vintage poster in CML's entrance library of Chung Ling Soo, who was a White American magician named William Ellsworth Robinson. Robinson extensively used yellowface in his act to falsely represent himself as a Chinese man who spoke little English in the 1900s.
Adding insult to injury, I was terminated by phone prematurely without proper reasoning or warning, adding to the unfairness prevalent in the setting.
In the diverse melting pot of cultures that is Chicago, this poster stands as a blatant offense to Asian members of our community, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. It tramples upon the principles of fairness and equality we should uphold and fight for.
From a broader lens, the U.S. saw a sharp surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans, increasing nearly 150% across 16 major cities in 2020, according to the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. In Chicago alone, anti-Asian hate crimes did rise, underscoring the need to eliminate symbols and instigators of hate.
Promoting respect and understanding within our diverse society goes beyond simply refraining from open acts of discrimination. It's also about eradicating any form of racial stereotype from our shared spaces. The Chicago Magic Lounge's website states:
"All are welcome. Magic crosses all barriers. Magic is for everyone."
CML does not live up to these words to create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. As a former employee, these words did not match the main leadership's actions.
It is this sense of duty toward our community that prompts this urgent demand for the Chicago Magic Lounge's owners and leadership. We ask for the immediate removal of the offensive poster of Chung Ling Soo, seeking to encourage a healthier, more inclusive environment. Your powerful signature can drive this essential change. Please join this campaign and sign the petition.
Note:
Since Friday, August 23, I have asked my community to contact the Chicago Magic Lounge directly with this request; some have already contacted CML. I share this to say that I do not know if the Chung Ling Soo poster still hangs in the CML library since those requests. Unfortunately, due to my experience with CML, I do not feel safe finding out.
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Petition created on August 25, 2024