Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Statement Against Racist Video Game

"I am appalled to learn a Markham-based company is about to publish a video game called 'Dirty Chinese Restaurant,' which can only be described as offensive and racist," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "I am deeply disturbed by the game’s demeaning depictions of the Chinese-Canadian community. The makers of this game call it 'satire' and 'comedy' but there is nothing funny about perpetuating negative stereotypes against any one culture. I feel this is a slap in the face to the people of Markham and what we collectively strive for, an inclusive and welcoming place to live and work.

The contributions of the Chinese-Canadian community in Markham cannot be overstated. They play an essential role in the development and economic prosperity of our incredibly diverse city and are a vital cultural thread in the fabric of our community.

Markham is recognized as Canada’s high-tech capital; we support and encourage innovation but there is no room for the expression of such discriminatory views in our great city. I also strongly urge Google, Apple, Android and other platforms to block the game."