The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #127870   Message #2856571
Posted By: JohnInKansas
05-Mar-10 - 04:43 AM
Thread Name: BS: A Small Act In China
Subject: BS: A Small Act In China
I'm not really sure what to think about this report. Quite a few people seem offended; but others offer praise.

I think a careful reading is needed before jumping into opining, but it would seem to merit discussion by any who can make sense of it.

NYT: Dwarf theme park: A 'zoo' or 'fairy tale'?

Loathed and lauded venture highlights dearth of opportunities for disabled

By Sharon LaFraniere
The New York Times
updated 1:39 a.m. CT, Thurs., March. 4, 2010

KUNMING, China - Chen Mingjing's entrepreneurial instincts vaulted him from a peasant upbringing to undreamed-of wealth, acquired in ventures ranging from making electric meters to investing in real estate. But when he was 44, the allure of making money for money's sake began to wane. He wanted to run a business that accomplished some good.

And so last September, Mr. Chen did what any socially aware entrepreneur might do: He opened a theme park of dwarfs, charging tourists about $9 a head to watch dozens of dwarfs in pink tutus perform a slapstick version of "Swan Lake" along with other skits.

[end quote]

You'll have to visit the site (or one of the others reporting on this) to get the full flavor of Mr. Chen's venture.

John