When TikTok was banned in the US on January 19, 2025, thousands of Americans flocked to REDnote—a Chinese platform its users viewed as a safe haven from Western scrutiny—transforming it, in the eyes of many, into yet another space colonised by white Americans. But this episode was just the tip of the iceberg of a larger phenomenon.
Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, China has undergone a veritable rebranding: Western perceptions of the Middle Kingdom have changed, fueling a sense of curiosity about the country’s lifestyle, even through social media. Trying that Chinese restaurant recommended by an influencer no longer seems such a bad idea; that plate of dumplings magically looks more aesthetically pleasing; that new Adidas jacket would look great on your feed. And how cool is Chongqing, with its trains going through buildings and its cyberpunk vibe?
We’d never noticed it until recently, but the vision of this China, so distant yet so close, now fascinates us. In short, we all feel like we’re in a “very Chinese moment” of our lives! Through some examples of reels and memes, we’ll delve into the now-famous “Becoming Chinese” trend, adopting an intersectional perspective: we’ll discuss the origins of the phenomenon, what it means for our perception of a controversial country like China, and its amusing and problematic sides—starting with the gender dynamics that permeate these digital spaces.
INFO: Max 30 participants. Free admission.
PHOTO CREDIT: FEFF
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