The angry youth: cyber-nationalism and performance of masculinity

Abstract

Chinese nationalism is deeply intertwined with discourse of masculinity. There is no better place than online forums to find illustrations of this politicized notion of masculinity. This paper examines the blatant ultranationalist and xenophobic commentary published by fenqing (angry youth) in cyberspace from the perspective of the interplay between politics and gender performance. The term fenqing became widely known in the context of the outburst of nationalist and anti-Western (including Japan) sentiments among Chinese youth on the Internet beginning in the late 1990s. They accuse the Chinese government of appearing too weak before foreign countries, especially the United States and Japan, and call for more militant action on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet, and the disputed Diaoyu Islands. They are easily provoked by any criticism of “China” and brand anyone who disagrees with them as hanjian (traitors to the Chinese nation). Verbal violence in the digital world can sometimes turn to physical violence in the real world, as when Japanese-branded cars were smashed and shops selling Japanese goods were vandalized during anti-Japanese protests in Chinese cities in 2005 and 2012. Studies on the fenqing so far have focused on popular nationalism among Chinese youth and the disputed role of the Chinese state. Yet an important fact that has been largely neglected is that the fenqing, especially those who post vehement and inflammatory remarks, are predominantly if not exclusively male. At least they adopt a male identity when posting online. This paper will argue that the fenqing as a male phenomenon present a promising opportunity for gender analysis, especially in light of the performative theory of masculinity. The Internet has provided these young men with an easily available platform to perform the passion, violence, and sense of sublimity that are discursively associated with masculinity.