Choice of Lunar New Year stamp draws criticism

The designer of a new Lunar New Year stamp released by the US Postal Service is responding to criticism the stamp is inappropriate.

Some questioned the blue used in the stamp which they say is culturally inappropriate.

Art director Antonio Alcala designed the stamp commemorating the Year of the Ox, according to stamps.org, with original art work by Camille Chew.

Karlin Chan, a frequent commenter on social media about issues relating to Chinese Americans, vented his frustrations on Twitter.

Peter Zhao agreed with Chan and continued the conversation on Facebook saying:

Luis Fitch and Antonio Alcala also designed the 2020 Rat stamps. I understand the indigenous people in America went by the lunar calendar. But why ask Hispanic artists create a stamp for lunar New Year celebration mainly observed in Asia? Why wouldn’t USPS employ an Asian artist? Why blue? When the celebratory colors are red and gold.Good point you raised Karlin Chan !!

Zhao took it a step further reaching out to Alcala and Chew.

Alcala told him “Thank you for your comments. You raised some good points. I worked with the illustrators, consultants and the USPS on each issuance. I will be sure to ask about this with future stamps in this series. And thanks again for your insights.”

Chew also responded, explaining the choice of colors.

“Thank you for your insights. Red and Gold are part of the color palette of the series as a whole, though aren’t as prominently featured in this design. I’ll be keeping your comments in mind moving forward.”

What do you stand in this controversy? Are you satisfied with the responses from Chew and Alcala? Share your thoughts with us.

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