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.
Chinese feminists use stand-up comedy shows abroad as a platform to freely express themselves and address political and social issues through humor.
The Chinese feminist stand-up comedy shows serve as a means of survival and resistance, offering empowerment, a sense of community, and relief.
Deep dives
Chinese feminists doing stand-up abroad
Chinese feminists, facing increased restrictions and oppression in China, have taken to doing stand-up comedy shows abroad. These shows provide a platform for Chinese feminists to freely express themselves and address political and social issues through humor. The stand-up comedy shows feature Mandarin performances and address topics such as feminism, government censorship, and activism. For many Chinese feminists, the shows offer a way to rebuild a sense of community and resilience from outside of China, while also providing a space to connect with audience members who share their vision. The shows perform a dual role of offering catharsis and entertainment while highlighting the challenges faced by feminists in China.
Satirical elements targeting Chinese authorities
The Chinese feminist stand-up comedy shows incorporate satirical elements, particularly in skits that satirize China's state television news program, Xinhua and the Amboo. These parody skits use humor to critique political narratives, government officials, and Chinese nationalism. The comedians cleverly blend political absurdities with humor, offering bold commentary on issues such as foreign affairs, domestic policies, and state-controlled media. By satirizing and subverting official narratives, the shows challenge social norms and empower Chinese feminists to openly express their dissent and critique the authorities.
Feminist stories and confessions through comedy
The stand-up comedy shows feature an open mic format where participants can share personal stories, jokes, and confessions. The stories often revolve around feminist topics, including experiences of workplace discrimination, coming out as LGBTQ+, and gender inequality. While some stories are light-hearted and funny, others delve into more serious and emotional themes. The show allows individuals to discuss and process their fears, traumas, and frustrations related to activism, censorship, and social challenges in China. The comedy acts as a cathartic outlet where people can openly acknowledge their struggles and find solace in a supportive community.
Creating political space and preserving hope
The Chinese feminist stand-up comedy shows serve as platforms for individuals to create and preserve political space despite the restrictive environment in China. While the shows may not directly impact events in China, they offer a sense of empowerment, community, and relief to participants and audience members. Chinese feminists view their involvement in these shows as a means of survival and resistance, keeping hope alive for a future China where gender equality and freedom of expression can thrive. By sharing their stories, speaking out against oppression, and connecting with like-minded individuals, these comedians aim to outlast the current era of restrictions and inspire change.
Tickets for “Nvzizhuyi”—a monthly stand-up comedy show in New York City— often sell out in less than a minute. The show invites Chinese citizens, mostly women, to tell jokes, perform skits and recount the absurd challenges they’ve encountered as feminist activists in China—things they could never utter in public back home.
This week, Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, reports from the dark basement of a comedy club. Together with David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, they ask: Why are some of China’s exiled feminists doing stand-up comedy abroad? And can their performances have any impact back home?
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