One would be hard-pressed to miss the ubiquitous advertisements of dance group Shen Yun while driving around Portland over recent months. Some of the locals voiced their opinions on this: “In my view, Shen Yun amounts to an artistic affront. It comes across as blatant and crude propaganda, and this serves as my basis for discouraging anyone from attending. Associated with somewhat cult-like tendencies, the group’s treatment of its performers isn’t great either, providing yet another reason to avoid their performances.
I hardly ever probe the political leanings of opera singers or ballet dancers. I assume they harbor certain political ideologies I might resonate with, or disagree with; but using these viewpoints as a deciding factor is something that never crossed my mind.
Many critics, it appears, have not experienced the show themselves. Putting politics and religion on a backburner, labeling it as false marketing is an egregious misrepresentation. People unwittingly usher their children into programs that reveal, to an alarming 90%, harsh depictions of brutality and mass violence.
This dodgy troupe has repeatedly performed at identical locations in multiple cities for two decades. Periodically, discontent becomes apparent in media reports but to no avail, as the group resurfaces the following year. The whole endeavor provides monetary benefits and tax contributions to the hosting cities.
Despite the controversy, there’s a part of me that’s intrigued to witness one of these performances, if just for the abnormal curiosity it incites.
It’s quite an unusual account from WW. If the strange blend of spirituality and dance is objectionable, simply opt out. But, it’d be wrong to call for governmental shutdown – that’s a breach of free speech rights.
Organizing a decade-long boycott against a quasi-religious dance assembly due to a previous financial scam seems somewhat comical. The economic capabilities of the opposition isn’t uniformly high.
I’ve been an Oregonian since birth, and resided in Multnomah County from 1989 till 2022. My annual income circles around $60,000. I’m employed on alternate three-day and four-day weeks in the manufacturing industry located in Vancouver.
I’ve recently purchased a home in Roosevelt, Wash that is set on a half-acre lot. It’s a cozy 1200 square feet property with a breathtaking view of the Columbia, and it cost me a total of $229,000. I retreat to this refuge over the weekends.
When work calls, I rent an inexpensive room in Vancouver. This arrangement proves to be more affordable than residing full-time in Oregon.