"At first, I was happy to see more and more people willing to learn about Chinese culture. After scrolling further, she reconsidered. These videos of drinking hot water with lemon slices and wearing red clothes really make me uncomfortable. It's like a Chinese person eating a meal at McDonald's, wearing an ugly sweater for Christmas, and then announcing themselves as 'last diagnosed American.'"
"Part self-care, part aesthetic role-play, the trend taps into what creators portray as a calmer, healthier Chinese way of life. Experts told Business Insider "Chinamaxxing" may reflect a shift in how younger Americans view China, and could signal Chinese soft power at play."
"Cultural exchange shouldn't be driven by superficial imitation. RedNote user Jia Simin wrote that some of the content on TikTok had caused dissatisfaction among Chinese communities, suggesting parts of the trend may misrepresent Chinese traditions, particularly around Lunar New Year."
A viral TikTok trend called "Chinamaxxing" has emerged where American creators film themselves engaging in Chinese cultural practices such as boiling apples, practicing tai chi at sunrise, and drinking hot water, set to traditional Chinese music. The trend combines self-care with aesthetic role-play, portraying a calmer, healthier Chinese lifestyle. Experts suggest this reflects shifting American perceptions of China and potential Chinese soft power influence. On RedNote, Chinese users display divided reactions: some feel proud seeing cultural interest, while others express discomfort, viewing the content as bizarre or superficial misrepresentation of authentic traditions, particularly regarding Lunar New Year practices.
Read at Business Insider
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