The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
We are quickly approaching Shen Yun season again. It is impossible to avoid the ads on the internet, billboards and flyers.
Shen Yun is scheduled to perform in Tucson in February. They will perform at The Ronstadt Performing Arts Center. Here is what the public should know:
Shen Yun is currently under investigation by the State of New York for labor violations. Apparently, they have hired under-age dancers who make very little money and who are harassed if they choose to leave. They are often denied medical attention. Very much like Scientology. Shen Yun is currently being sued by ex-dancers for abuse. A recent NY Times investigation revealed numerous cases of abuse of the dancers. The article titled “Behind the Pageantry of Shen Yun, Untreated Injuries and Emotional Abuse” is available on the internet.
Shen Yun performers are members of Falun Gong, a far-right organization whose leader, Li Hongzhi, claims to have godlike powers. He claims that he can levitate. He has made many racist and anti-LGBT statements. He has often said that the children of mixed-race couples cannot get into heaven. Li claims that race mixing in humans is part of an alien plot to drive humanity further from the gods. He is a very wealthy con man who lives in a heavily guarded compound in upstate New York. Shen Yun has the Epoch Times as their mouthpiece. The Epoch Times is a far-right publication that strongly supported Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024. They consider Trump a savior because they believe he is hard on China. Among those who endorse the Epoch Times have been Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and others from the MAGA world. They continue to spread the “big lie.”
The Chief Financial Officer of the Epoch Times was recently arrested for stealing $65 million from the Epoch Times. These people are not who they want you to believe they are. Supporting Shen Yun is supporting a very right-wing organization which is currently under investigation for abuse.
The Shen Yun performance is anti-science, anti-woman and anti-LGBT. The far-right message is there for all to see. This is not just a dance performance. Do your homework. Google “Shen Yun controversy” and read about who these folks really are. Please let your elected officials know that this kind of thing should not be supported by the City of Tucson and Pima County.
Terry Etherton is a Tucson art-gallery owner.
Source Link: https://tucson.com/opinion/letters/local-opinion-shen-yun-is-back-again/article_3c8cbcee-c395-11ef-86da-c3ea6ee5c5d6.html
