Chinese Nationalism
The Fenqing (meaning “angry youth” in Chinese) represent the modern face of Chinese popular nationalism. According to Nina Baculinao in her report “Fenqing: A Study Of China’s ‘Angry Youth’ In The Era Of The Internet” the members of this phenomenon share representative traits and buck some popular misconceptions (Nina Baculinao 94). They are highly educated and have global-awareness and international interests. They are young – most of them born in the 90s- and their interest in Fenqing is ephemeral; they will keep this nationalistic stance into middle age. They discredit the theory that the Internet should help educate Chinese youth gain global values of socialization. They debunk that myth that China’s Communist party is not influenced by public opinion. These youth may even wield more foreign policy influence than American or Japanese students. Finally, although they claim to be a grass-roots nationalism almost all Baculinao’s primary sources point to instances of the Communist party’s influence on Fenqing uprisings and quieting down times.
The Fenqing arose as China arose in international standing. National pride resurfaced. The Internet was crucial as the mass communication means of spreading the passion. The Fenqing have some basic doctrine. They are sensitive to other nations’ perception of China. They have a fear of Western oppression of China’s rise in world power and economic strength. They are militant and make attacks when angry. They want the government to stand up to the West and fight to become a dominant power, as they believe it deserves (Nina Baculinao 91).
The Fenqing claim a desire to adopt the great past traditions of China. However, they want to learn new principals from the West, even democratic ideals. They don’t want to return to past doctrines or radical socialism. They feel they are patriotic, not nationalistic. They claim “love of country” not “love of government”.
Professors Simon Shen of Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Fenqing arose as China arose in international standing. National pride resurfaced. The Internet was crucial as the mass communication means of spreading the passion. The Fenqing have some basic doctrine. They are sensitive to other nations’ perception of China. They have a fear of Western oppression of China’s rise in world power and economic strength. They are militant and make attacks when angry. They want the government to stand up to the West and fight to become a dominant power, as they believe it deserves (Nina Baculinao 91).
The Fenqing claim a desire to adopt the great past traditions of China. However, they want to learn new principals from the West, even democratic ideals. They don’t want to return to past doctrines or radical socialism. They feel they are patriotic, not nationalistic. They claim “love of country” not “love of government”.
Professors Simon Shen of Chinese University of Hong Kong
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