I went there, created an account, and posted some art. Yes to the language barrier, and yes to the influx of bad actors, but also yes to speaking directly "the grocery haul" thing was an eye-opener for americans for sure.
Great stuff, Elizabeth! Former lao wai in Shanghai here. The TikTok thing is complicated but the US press can be head-clutchingly simplistic about it all. Love reading your on-the-ground perspective on this, very smart and the best take I’ve read so far. Here’s hoping the sane cultural exchange continues as long as possible!
"Head clutchingly simplistic" hahaha. Oh tell me about it. I don't even know where to begin with them, to be honest. Thank you for your lovely words about my on the ground reporting 😄
Omg I've been following the drama, it's been so intense!! First they were leaving then they were staying then they were leaving then they were staying, then they got officially kicked off, and now they are back on apparently because of Trump! It's been hectic 😅. And I have to concur, I absolutely love the happy unexpected results that it's actually had the effect of uniting Chinese and Americans. And teaching Americans about what life is really like in China, and as you say, humanizing the country that has been demonized for so long. So cool!
I believe the shift from TikTok to Xiaohongshu will inspire many more people to start learning Mandarin. The real question, however, is how many will stay committed and take the time to truly immerse themselves in the culture along the way.
Even though I've known about Xiaohongshu for years through because of my Mandarin learning journey, something feels weird about joining the platform now that it's become t
It's become a trend. I've never used TikTok so I'm not searching for a new "home" however, this situation reminds me that I do know Mandarin and could be using my knowledge to interact more with Mandarin speakers.
I enjoyed your thorough reporting and the fun accounts of the warm exchanges between Chinese and American xiaohongshu users.
Are you there, Lily? So far i am just casually browsing. I rarely post
No, I'm not. I have gone off social media for the most part so don't want to add a new one.
I should really do the same. Oh well, at least I got bored of Weibo, so I am sure Red Book will be temporary for me too lol
I'm kind of optimistic. People have to, say, share some grass root cat memes, to let some diplomatic steam escape.
I hope it continues to be allowed, and continue to be positive.
I went there, created an account, and posted some art. Yes to the language barrier, and yes to the influx of bad actors, but also yes to speaking directly "the grocery haul" thing was an eye-opener for americans for sure.
great article as always.
TBh I am envious of the Chinese grocery hauls too. In terms of how far our money can go, China's goes further.
Great stuff, Elizabeth! Former lao wai in Shanghai here. The TikTok thing is complicated but the US press can be head-clutchingly simplistic about it all. Love reading your on-the-ground perspective on this, very smart and the best take I’ve read so far. Here’s hoping the sane cultural exchange continues as long as possible!
"Head clutchingly simplistic" hahaha. Oh tell me about it. I don't even know where to begin with them, to be honest. Thank you for your lovely words about my on the ground reporting 😄
fascinating post, thank you!
Omg I've been following the drama, it's been so intense!! First they were leaving then they were staying then they were leaving then they were staying, then they got officially kicked off, and now they are back on apparently because of Trump! It's been hectic 😅. And I have to concur, I absolutely love the happy unexpected results that it's actually had the effect of uniting Chinese and Americans. And teaching Americans about what life is really like in China, and as you say, humanizing the country that has been demonized for so long. So cool!
I loved the reference to Chinese being good hosts, who welcome guests into their homes warmly:)) It is a Cultural thing!💕
Very much so! of course there will always be outliers, but in general it will reflect on the Chinese person badly if they treat you badly.
I believe the shift from TikTok to Xiaohongshu will inspire many more people to start learning Mandarin. The real question, however, is how many will stay committed and take the time to truly immerse themselves in the culture along the way.
Even though I've known about Xiaohongshu for years through because of my Mandarin learning journey, something feels weird about joining the platform now that it's become t
It's become a trend. I've never used TikTok so I'm not searching for a new "home" however, this situation reminds me that I do know Mandarin and could be using my knowledge to interact more with Mandarin speakers.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more of what you mean by digital sovereignty
Go to YouTube and look up Yanis Varoufakis and Tech Feudalism. He mentions China as one of the few to have sovereignty over their tech.