Opinion | Xiaohongshu, lucky you: Cultural exchange between East and West succeeds in unexpected ways
By Darius
We Chinese people have always considered "imparting knowledge" a key method of communication and learning. We strive for efficiency and practicality, hoping our children, students, and even colleagues can absorb more in less time. By leveraging our strengths and experiences, we aim to guide them and help them avoid unnecessary detours. This communication style is a hallmark of East Asian culture, but it can also be a double-edged sword. We can choose what we want to say, but if the other person isn't willing to listen, our efforts are totally wasted.
Nowadays, many children feel impatient when their parents lecture them; how many peers heed advice? My dear readers, when was the last time you convinced someone just by lecturing them? How many people only change course after hitting a wall? Life isn't an endless classroom; no one can sit and listen to lectures forever.
With the flawed assumption of "if I say it, you'll listen," our cultural communication often falls flat. In our documentaries, we frequently showcase breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant urban scenes, enhanced by wide-angle lenses to create a sense of grandeur. Yet, these visuals may not captivate foreign audiences as much as a plate of snacks, a piece of biscuit, or a real Chinese person. What we want to showcase isn't always what others want to see; we focus too much on being "speakers" and forget to find our "audience."
Now, with TikTok poised to pause its operations in the U.S., many foreign users have flocked to Xiaohongshu, a social platform once dominated by Chinese users. Suddenly, these individuals became both "speakers" and "audiences," gaining access to information they had never encountered through casual interactions. It turns out that much of the negative news about China is exaggerated, and Chinese people are not unfriendly... The U.S. government initially aimed to limit China's influence by restricting its social media but inadvertently sparked alternative forms of communication.
Unlike previous cultural exchange methods, Xiaohongshu is a haven for soft content. Its recommendation system effectively connects suitable content with the right audience, transforming chaotic communication into meaningful dialogues and creating space for discussion. Rather than focusing solely on "speeches," it offers a platform for "listening," driven by interests and centered on content aimed at everyday users. This "super forum" model is unprecedented in Chinese history; its traits of "non-coercion and non-preaching" resonate with young people worldwide.
Recently, our country relaxed its visa-exempt transit policy, drawing countless foreign tourists. On unfamiliar ground, they experienced the real China firsthand. Such a "liberalized" policy yields far greater diplomatic and cultural exchange benefits than dozens of Confucius Institutes that only lecture. Xiaohongshu operates similarly, achieving "governance without intervention," not forcing recognition or pushing unnecessary ideas, but attracting those who genuinely want to listen through its unique offerings.
In contrast, the U.S. government's heavy-handed tactics now seem more ridiculous than ever. They tried to seal others' mouths with nails, but instead, they opened a bigger hole.
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