Online Aggression and Cultural Roots: Why Are Chinese Internet Disputes So Heated?
A growing trend of intense online conflict within the Chinese diaspora, particularly on platforms like YouTube and blogs, raises questions about deeply ingrained cultural tendencies toward confrontation. The phenomenon, observed within communities like the “Jianzhong Circle,” reveals a pattern of escalating disputes – from debates on current events to deeply personal attacks – that some observers believe extends beyond the digital realm and into real-life interactions.
The online landscape for Chinese communities is diverse, encompassing dynamic video platforms akin to YouTube and more static, text-based forums reminiscent of newspaper media, such as the blog “Literature City.” While both formats offer unique advantages, a common thread emerges: a propensity for conflict. “Once a quarrel starts, you can often see your real faces on the YouTube video,” one observer noted, highlighting the often-uncivil nature of online exchanges. This escalation, they suggest, could easily translate into physical altercations.
The intensity of these disputes is further fueled by a willingness to engage in deeply personal attacks, including the use of explicit language and the exposure of private information. This isn’t merely a passive observation; many individuals actively seek out online drama. “Like me, I usually want to take a look at the excitement when I go out on the street and add some fun to the scenes,” the observer confessed, acknowledging a voyeuristic element within the online culture.
From State Affairs to Personal Grievances
The origins of these conflicts often lie in discussions of politics and global affairs, particularly among video bloggers seeking to maximize viewership. However, these debates quickly devolve into personal animosity. As one individual explained, disputes begin with “state affairs, from arguments to quarrels, and finally personal attacks are all family affairs.” This blurring of boundaries, where public issues become intensely personal, contributes to the volatile atmosphere.
The observer attributes their own involvement in this cycle to becoming part of the “entertainment online,” following a pattern of escalating engagement – “family affairs, state affairs, and world affairs” – that captivates audiences. This raises a fundamental question: why is this pattern so prevalent? “I am curious, why are Chinese people so aggressive, regardless of gender, age or age?” they pondered, including themselves in the observation.
A Historical Echo: “Fighting with the Sky”
The roots of this aggressive tendency, according to the observer, may lie deep within Chinese history and culture. They cite the Mao-era slogan, “Fighting with the sky is endless joy, fighting with the earth is endless joy, fighting with people is endless joy,” originally intended to inspire revolutionary zeal during the Cultural Revolution. However, over the past half-century, this phrase has morphed into “a curse that has been trapped for generations.”
The observer’s personal experiences offer a glimpse into this dynamic. While they describe themselves as generally non-confrontational, they acknowledge that friction was commonplace in their life in China, driven by the pressures of a competitive environment. A move to Canada years ago brought a shift in perspective. “Now in Canada for many years, the environment has changed its mentality and recalling some personal experiences is really funny,” they stated.
Having navigated a system where personal power was limited, the observer reflects on a life largely devoid of significant influence over others. “Working within the system until retirement, he has never grasped power, and he has not affected the fate of others in the accidental quarrel,” they noted, suggesting that a lack of agency may contribute to a need to assert oneself in other arenas. Ultimately, they conclude that personal triumphs and setbacks are “trivial matters” in the grand scheme of time.
Genetic Predisposition or Cultural Conditioning?
The observer posits that the prevalence of online and offline conflict is “determined by the genetic genes of the Chinese,” citing evidence from ancient history and traditional wisdom. This assertion, while provocative, underscores a belief that a predisposition toward confrontation is deeply embedded within the cultural fabric. “We must leave the soil that produces this culture, and it will take one or two generations to get rid of it,” they conclude, suggesting that significant cultural shifts are necessary to overcome this ingrained tendency.
