You Can Learn Chinese City 不 City: How Paul Mike Ashton Memed His Way to Fame in China
May 12, 2025
Paul Mike Ashton, an American content creator known for his viral 'City 不 City' meme, shares his journey from Pennsylvania to becoming a comedy sensation in China. He discusses the challenges of learning Chinese, the hilarious language barriers he faced, and how his unique cultural blend resonated with millions. With insights on monetizing content and the power of humor in connecting cultures, Paul highlights how mastering the language opened unexpected doors and friendships, making his story a relatable and laugh-out-loud tale.
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Depth of Chinese Language
- Learning Chinese offers endless cultural and linguistic depth, like an immense iceberg.
- Mastery unlocks understanding of a culture that influences a seventh of the world's population.
Diaspora Study in Johannesburg
- Paul studied Chinese diasporas in Johannesburg for a brief summer program.
- He discovered unique racial dynamics between Japanese and Chinese communities during apartheid.
Fluency Needs More Than Classes
- College programs alone rarely provide workplace-level fluency; community and mentorship are crucial.
- Students must actively craft their learning journey to achieve success in language skills.