A new hotel just opened in New York Chinatown is apologizing after publicizing one of its bars as an opium den, reports DNA Info.
It didn’t take long for the backlash to hit the Hotel 50 Bowery.
“As someone who lives here and as someone with neighbors and family in the community with real roots, I hate to see the neighborhood turn into this stereotype or even this maladjusted archetype of what Chinatown is,” said longtime Chinatown resident Suelain Moy.
Chinatown activist Karlin Chan blasted the hotel in an opinion piece in the Bowery Boogie.
“Evoking stereotypes like this for the bottom line is BULLSH*T, wrote Chan.
The hotel is blaming the PR firm it hired to market the hotel.
Chef Dale Talde called describing the bar as an “opium den” a “real f*ck up.” “That never was the intent. The PR team for the hotel and the design team for the hotel are the ones who did this. They’re the ones who f*cked up. We never even mentioned opium den once in design meetings,” said Talde to the NY Eater.
All references to the opium den have been removed from marketing material and the hotel has apologized.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. You can show your support by liking our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asamnews, following us on Twitter, sharing our stories, interning or joining our staff.
RE: Real “F*ck up” in Hotel Opening of Chinatown Opium Den: Chef Dale Talde called describing the bar as an “opium den” a “real f*ck up.” “That never was the intent. The PR team for the hotel and the design team for the hotel are the ones who did this. They’re the ones who f*cked up. We never even mentioned opium den once in design meetings,” said Talde to the NY Eater.” Sorry, not buying it, this was a setup by the PR firm (at least) , all this publicity for free, and they succeeded in ATTRACTING the precise clientele the place was designed for. If there was a 21st century method to omit locals from the bar, and only attract “thrill seekers” and yelpers, this is it. Sad that this is playing out so well.
RE: Real F*cked up in Hotel Oepning of Chinatown Opium Den: I don’t view Chinese people negatively or lack knowledge about the subject. My daughter and I love Chinatown and the Chinese culture. My opinion has not changed.
RE: REal F*cked Up in Hotel Opening of #Chinatown Opium Den: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium_den