Japanese Zen event... with a Chinese symbol? - Grow a Garden
Obviously, the upcoming update is themed around "Zen", which refers to a school of Buddhism in Japan. The update exclusively references Japanese culture like koi fish, tanuki, kitsune, shiba inu, etc.
So why is the main symbol for this event, which is plastered on the Zen Egg, Zen Crate, and Zen Seed Pack, the CHINESE yin and yang symbol? The yin and yang (Taijitu) is NOT Japanese, but rather a symbol from Taoism, a Chinese philosophy/religion. Yin and yang is NOT part of Zen Buddhism, nor is it traditionally associated with Japan.
Many people (especially in the West) already blend East Asian cultures into one generalized "Asian aesthetic." This contributes to Orientalism, where Western media reduces diverse Asian cultures into exotic tropes and stereotypes. Misusing symbols like this shows a lack of care or research, especially when the game is profiting off “Zen” and Asian aesthetics.
I already know I'll get comments like "oh it's not that deep" and people brushing it off, but when a game with such a massive audience mixes up East Asian cultures like this, it contributes to the idea that all Asian cultures are interchangeable, which they’re not.
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1 Reply
@Jerthejer exactly.
Btw are you also Asian
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