Drum Tower from The Economist Drum Tower: Stand-up feminists
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Dec 5, 2023 
Alice Su, senior China correspondent, and David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, explore the challenges faced by Chinese feminists in China and their use of stand-up comedy as a form of expression. They discuss self-censorship in comedy, the motivations behind going into exile, and the impact of comedy on feminist topics. The podcast also explores the cathartic and risky nature of the comedy club at Drum Tower, the consequences of losing access to social media in China, and the experiences of exiled individuals navigating high pressure and surveillance.
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Chinese Feminists' Comedy in Exile
- The show hosts Chinese feminists and activists in exile who use stand-up comedy to express ideas banned in China.
- It creates a brave community where they openly joke about politics and sexism.
Censorship Silences Feminists' Voices
- Chinese online feminists face heavy censorship and risk losing social media accounts essential for platform access.
- Being banned online means losing their main voice and connection, pushing some to find new ways to speak out.
Comedy as Catharsis and Community
- Stand-up comedy serves as a venue where activists share stories of fear and courage amidst oppression.
- It blends humor with confessions, providing both catharsis and community support in exile.