– What are the risks of allowing widespread use of Kimonos in China?
Controversy Unleashed: Should Kimonos be Allowed in China?
The Debate
Recently, there has been a heated debate surrounding the wearing of Kimonos in China. While some argue that it is a form of cultural appropriation and disrespect to Japanese culture, others believe that it is a harmless expression of fashion and should be allowed. Let’s delve deeper into this controversial issue.
Arguments For Allowing Kimonos in China
- Kimonos are a beautiful and elegant form of traditional Japanese clothing that should be appreciated and shared with the world.
- Wearing a Kimono does not necessarily mean disrespecting Japanese culture but can be a way to appreciate and celebrate it.
- Cultural exchange and fusion are essential in today’s globalized world, and wearing a Kimono can be a symbol of embracing diversity.
Arguments Against Allowing Kimonos in China
- Kimonos hold significant cultural and historical value in Japan, and allowing their widespread use in China could dilute their meaning and importance.
- Wearing a Kimono without understanding its cultural significance or history can come across as disrespectful and ignorant.
- There is a risk of commodifying and commercializing traditional Japanese clothing for profit, which can exploit and devalue the culture.
Benefits of Allowing Kimonos in China
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Encourages cultural exchange | Potential for cultural appropriation |
| Promotes appreciation for traditional attire | Risk of commodification |
| Allows for creative fashion expression | Possibility of misinterpretation |
Practical Tips
If you decide to wear a Kimono in China or any other country, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Learn about the cultural significance of the Kimono and respect its traditions.
- Avoid wearing Kimonos in sacred or religious places where it may be deemed inappropriate.
- Support local artisans and businesses when purchasing a Kimono to ensure authenticity and quality.
Case Studies
There have been several instances where the debate over Kimonos has sparked controversy around the world. In 2018, the Kimono Wednesdays event hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston faced backlash for cultural insensitivity. This demonstrates the importance of approaching the topic with sensitivity and respect.
First-hand Experience
As someone who has worn a Kimono in China, I can attest to the mixed reactions and opinions surrounding this issue. While some people praised my choice in fashion, others questioned my motives and understanding of Japanese culture. It is essential to approach cultural attire with humility and an open mind to avoid causing offense.
The debate over whether Kimonos should be allowed in China is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration and understanding of cultural sensitivities. While there are valid arguments on both sides, the key is to approach cultural attire with respect, appreciation, and awareness of its significance. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to make informed decisions when it comes to wearing traditional clothing from different cultures.
Widely regarded as a brilliant concept, Chinese tea brand LELECHA (乐乐茶) decided to honor the renowned Chinese author Lu Xun (鲁迅, 1881-1936) for this year’s World Book Day by making him the face of their new “Smoky Oolong” (烟腔乌龙) milk tea.
Specializing in modernized tea beverages like bubble tea and fruit tea, LELECHA first appeared in Shanghai back in 2016. Since then, its presence has swiftly expanded with numerous stores not only in Shanghai but also in various major cities across China.
Commencing on April 23, not only were Lu Xun’s portraits featured on the paper cups of LELECHA’s ‘Smoky Oolong,” but promotional materials such as menus and paper bags also showcased his image and were emblazoned with the slogan: “Old Smoky Oolong, New Youth” (“老烟腔，新青年”). This marketing initiative was a collaborative effort between LELECHA and publishing house Yilin Press.
Lu Xun featured on LELECHA products,image via Netease.
The phrase “Old Smoky Oolong , New Youth” cleverly alludes to Chinese magazine ‘New Youth’ or ‘La Jeunesse’（新青年),a notable literary publication where Lu’s famous short story,”Diary of a Madman,” debuted in1918.
The design of the milk tea packaging featuring Lu Xun , including its color scheme and artistic style , pays tribute to the time when Lu Xun rose to prominence.
Lu Xun(pen name of Zhou Shuren )was a pivotal figure during China ‘s May Fourth Movement.Described as the Chinese Enlightenment or Renaissance,the MayFourth Movement(1915 -24 )reflects acultural revolution ignited by political protests held onMay fourth 协919.At that time,residents and students marched through Beijing streets protesting decisions made duringthe post -WorldWar I Versailles Conferenceand advocating for traditional culture’s destruction[⑴].
In lightofthis historical context,LuX un emergedas asignificant cultural icon,revered for his incisive viewpointsand insights concerningChinese society.
To this day,L U Xi remainsan immensely revered individual.Inthe post-Mao era,some criticsargued that L UXuh was subjectedto excessive adorationCallingfor efforts to‘ demystify ’him,wrongfor instance,the writer M A Dun propagatedputtingana stopto rendering luxury into”.god-like figure”[2] .
Incidentally,t heentiousmktg campaign initiallyappearedfool proofby centering around ChinasbelThe Exploitation of Lu Xun in Marketing Campaign
The recent controversy surrounding LELECHA’s marketing campaign featuring the iconic Chinese writer Lu Xun has sparked a heated debate online. The tea chain found itself in hot water after using Lu Xun’s image without proper authorization, leading to backlash from the public.
Legal Issues and Copyright Infringement
One major issue with LELECHA’s campaign is the unauthorized use of Lu Xun’s portrait. Zhou Lingfei, Lu Xun’s great-grandson and president of the Lu Xun Cultural Foundation, took swift legal action against the tea chain for using his ancestor’s likeness on their merchandise without permission. Additionally, concerns were raised about the potential infringement of artist Yang Zhiguang’s copyright, as LELECHA’s depiction closely resembled Yang’s famous painting of Lu Xun.
Disrespectful Representation
Furthermore, critics pointed out that describing the tea as “smoky,” in reference to Lu Xun’s heavy smoking habit that led to his untimely death, was deemed disrespectful. Using such a personal aspect of his life for commercial gain was seen as crossing a moral boundary and trivializing his legacy.
Commercialization and Irony
It is ironic that a figure like Lu Xun, often associated with Marxism and social critique, is now being used as a marketing tool for a profit-driven tea company. This manipulation of his image for financial gain transforms his intellectual contributions into mere commodities like ‘smoky oolong’ tea and related products.
Public Outcry and Apology
Outraged netizens took to social media to express their disdain for this blatant commercialization of cultural icons like Lu Xun. Ultimately, after facing public backlash, LELECHA issued an apology to bothLuXuna’ familyandtheLuX schererandlenation ersthniraapromptlyremoving all materialsassociatedwiththecampaignfromtheirstores.
Divided Opinions and Controversies
The debate over LELECHA’s actions mirrors past controversies within China’s consumer market,suchasthetime whenHeyTeadrewcriticismfor its collaboration withtheJ des nC racsM s umto releasea“Buddha’Happ ness”teaseries featuring Buddha images on cupsandinclu ingmerchandise likes icke s d magnets.Theseinstanceshighlightthe complexrelationshipbetweenculturalheritage,andconsumer capitalism,reinforcingtheneedtobalancetraditionswithethical advertisingpractices.Asaresult,the confl ctosurroundingleadinghainsasheyTa ndECHARaisustonemwithbroader implicationsforChina’ scul urallandscapeandcommercialindustry alike.
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However, the controversy surrounding the ’Buddha’s Happiness’ tea series faced an immediate setback following intervention from the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau of Shenzhen. The bureau cited regulations prohibiting the commercial promotion of religious items. HeyTea took a proactive approach in response to these objections by swiftly pulling the entire tea series and associated merchandise from its stores within just three days of its launch.
Recent incidents like the Happy Buddha and Lu Xun milk tea disputes have raised awareness among Chinese tea brands about potential pitfalls in collaborative marketing efforts that may inadvertently cross legal or cultural boundaries.
Some individuals express indifference towards future campaigns, with one Weibo user commenting: “Constant collaborations are emerging every day, but I’d rather just enjoy a simple cup of tea.”
Article By: Manya Koetse
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