Mahjong is experiencing a resurgence in Hollywood, with celebrities and influencers embracing the game as a post-pandemic social activity. The game's popularity is fueled by a desire for social connection, the collectible beauty of tile sets, and the influence of stars like Larry David and Meghan Markle. However, the article also delves into the cultural appropriation debate surrounding the game, as American companies replace traditional Asian symbols with Western motifs, and the lack of Asian representation in media portrayals.
The article explores the game's history, from its origins in 19th-century China to its introduction to the West by Standard Oil exec Joseph Park Babcock. It highlights the game's evolution, including the standardization of American mahjong in 1937 and the addition of joker 'wild cards'. The piece also discusses the game's appeal, emphasizing its social nature, the strategic elements, and the role of luck.
The author provides insights into the mahjong scene in Hollywood, mentioning celebrity players like Julia Roberts, Blake Lively, and Sarah Jessica Parker. The article also touches on the business side of the game, including the high-end tile sets and the emergence of Mahj to Go, a company that offers open play and tournaments. The piece also addresses the backlash over cultural appropriation, with Chinese American instructor Cari Kuprenas defending the game's evolution and its cross-cultural popularity.
The article concludes by highlighting the game's potential benefits, such as its impact on brain health, as mentioned by Maria Shriver. It also touches on the social dynamics within mahjong groups, where players engage in low-key jostling and build alliances. The piece ends with a mention of the Mahj in the Wild podcast, which aims to teach the traditional 'old style' Taiwanese version of the game to a wider audience.
