Over the past few years, the western world’s perception of China has changed significantly and quickly. A few years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, life in many Western countries became scary if you were Chinese or even just looked East Asian. China was frequently held responsible for the virus. Hate crimes against Asian people increased significantly, and they gave it negative labels. As a result, people of Chinese heritage were often seen as a threat to society, resulting in a time of pervasive discrimination and anxiety.
A very different story is told today, though, as “becoming Chinese” has become a cultural trend among young people in Western media. This occurrence, which is frequently called “Chinamaxxing” on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, requires the active adoption and understanding of Chinese cultural habits. These people publicly document their new practices such as drinking hot water, eating congee, and boiling apples, along with their exploration of traditional exercises and wellness routines. This evolution indicates that Chinese culture is transitioning from a marginalized ‘other’ to a mainstream model for living.
A complete 180-degree shift has occurred in society. These similar behaviours could have been viewed as “weird” by some a few years ago. Nowadays, young Westerners are posting about them as the ultimate life hack.
Recently, Adidas launched their “Chinese New Year” or Tang Jacket, inspired by Chinese culture from the Tang Dynasty. This coincides with the trend of “becoming Chinese”, acting as a catalyst. A key part of this new piece of clothing was that it is sold in China, for China, which made it more desirable due to the authenticity. For Westerners caught up in the “Chinamaxxing” trend, owning this jacket felt special because it was made for Chinese people, not for tourists. Since it was hard to get outside of China, it became even more desirable. In this way, fashion became a simple way for people to feel connected to Chinese culture.
So, what actually happened? How did we go from “China is a threat” to “Chinese daily life is actually pretty cool”?
The way the world perceives China has drastically shifted. China is beginning to change at a time when everything seems unclear due to conflicts, economic issues, and disruption. It’s seen as a place that’s stable and works well. People are beginning to notice the safety in Chinese cities, how easy it is to pay for things with your phone, and how cool their technology is. They’re also drawn to the strong sense of community and the simple pleasures of daily life there.
Now, when foreigners visit China, they aren’t just impressed by the Great Wall. They’re impressed by the fast trains, the quiet electric cars, advanced technology, and the fact that you can walk around at night without feeling scared. They see a society that seems to function smoothly. This has created a real curiosity and desire for the culture.
This shift from being a target of racism to becoming a cultural trend shows how fast public opinion can change. The hate directed at Chinese people during the pandemic brought back old stereotypes in a painful way. But the rise of “Chinamaxxing” suggests that many are now ready to look past politics and connect with Chinese culture directly. Going from being seen as a “virus” to being seen as a lifestyle worth copying is more than just an interesting trend, and it says a lot about what people around the world have come to want during uncertain times.
Written by Audrey Tia Limowa
