The Feminists have Stood Up: Gender and Comedy in China
Feb 8, 2024
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Explore the rise and retreat of stand-up comedy in China, with feminist comics facing attacks. Hear from Chinese comedians on navigating sensitive topics, challenging gender norms, and dealing with censorship. Discover the struggles of female comics, societal pressures, and the evolving roles of women in Chinese society. Dive into the TikTok trend of 'passport bros' and explore the challenges of censorship on creativity in a controlled environment.
Stand-up comedy in China faces challenges from political sensitivity, but continues to evolve as a significant industry.
Fifty Shades of Feminism empowers female voices by discussing taboo subjects and challenging traditional societal standards through humor.
Deep dives
Stand-Up Comedy in China
Stand-up comedy in China has become a serious business, with shows like Roast Convention gaining immense popularity. However, political sensitivity was highlighted when comedian Li Hao-shir made a joke satirizing President Xi Jinping and faced significant consequences. Despite the challenges, stand-up is evolving as a significant industry in China.
Challenges and Liberation in Comedy
Comedians face challenges regarding audience expectations and societal norms. However, the three stand-up Chinese comedians interviewed reveal personal journeys of liberation through comedy. They discuss topics like sex, gender, and cultural expectations, challenging traditional Chinese societal standards.
Feminist Comedy and Empowerment
Fifty Shades of Feminism, a stand-up collective, empowers female and non-binary voices in comedy. By discussing taboo subjects like menstrual cups and societal stereotypes, these comedians provide a safe space for expression and empowerment. The collective aims to break gender stereotypes and address women's issues through humor.
Gender Dynamics and the Future of Comedy
Gender dynamics play a significant role in Chinese comedy, showcasing the struggle against sexism, racism, and patriarchal norms. The comedians express concerns about the future of comedy in China due to increasing censorship and societal restrictions. However, they seek to continue their comedic expression, aiming to inspire and connect with audiences globally.
Stand-up comedy looked set to be the next big thing on China’s entertainment scene, with shows like Roast Convention drawing billions of views and comics scoring lucrative commercial endorsements. But comedy now finds itself in retreat. A new wave of feminist comics is struggling with attacks from online trolls and a disapproving state. To ask whether the regime–and China’s men—can take a joke, Louisa and Graeme are joined by three stand up Chinese comedians: He Huang who's based here in Australia, and two members of the London-based 50 Shades of Feminism, Barbie and Elena.
Transcript available at: https://www.thechinastory.org/lrp/the-feminists-have-stood-up-gender-and-comedy-in-china/