Empire State Building's Lighting for China's 60th Birthday Draws Criticism

2 years ago

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Washington Reporter

The Empire State Building in New York City will glow red and yellow Wednesday night to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. New York's tallest skyscraper regularly changes its iconic lighting for holidays and events. But this time, the building's choice of occasions to celebrate is drawing more attention than usual, and backlash primarily from conservative bloggers.

"What's next, Marx, Lenin and Trotsky's birthday's too?" one blogger wrote. "What about Allah while we're honoring our enemies under the 'Commie Obammie' administration?" Anoth er: "While we're at it, let's light up the Rockefellor Center with a big swastika on red lights?" Others blamed the ESB's color scheme on President Obama: "I thought by 'change' that President Obama meant socialized healthcare, higher taxes, and a bloated nanny-state there to take care of my every need. But not this!"

The China-friendly lighting will be in place from Sept. 30-Oct. 1. At 10 a.m. Wednesday, members of the Consul General of the People's Republic, including Consul General Peng Keyu, will "flip the light switch on a scale model of the Empire State Building."

Empire State Building Goes Red and Yellow for China; Outrage Ensues [Village Voice]

Filed Under: Breaking News

Tagged: China, daily guidance, DailyGuidance, Empire state building, EmpireStateBuilding, new york, NewYork

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