By Darius
The term "stereotype" is often invoked today—those reductive caricatures of entire categories, whether objects or people. Mention China, and some envision Qing-era queue hairstyles; reference Native Americans, and feathered headdresses spring to mind. Such tropes, when pushed further, easily morph into outright racism, universally condemned. Yet certain stereotypes embed themselves so deeply in collective consciousness that they actively distort perception.
Recently, Wei Dongyi, China's mathematical prodigy who won multiple awards before turning thirty, reignited online discourse after posting a video on his newly created social media account. But unlike previous waves of admiration, this time skepticism dominated. Few doubted Wei's intellectual prowess; rather, his on-camera appearance struck many as jarringly disheveled: slightly hunched posture, darting eyes, nervous demeanor, one sleeve crumpled while the other was rolled up, an untrimmed beard, and a twisted bag strap. Most perplexing were his visibly deteriorated teeth, with two front teeth apparently missing. While geniuses may disregard mundane details in daily life, such unkemptness in a public presentation seemed inexplicable.
Netizens erupted with questions: Why wasn't his basic grooming addressed before filming? Given Wei's introverted nature, who orchestrated this sudden social media push? With college entrance exams looming, is someone exploiting his reputation for profit? How could a celebrated genius's physical condition deteriorate so?
Some defended Wei, suggesting geniuses often have pronounced flaws—perhaps his talents were "all allocated to mathematics."
Yet my unease runs deeper. Wei's presentation perfectly mirrors the stereotype I described earlier. Chinese culture has long romanticized geniuses as "eccentric, ascetic, and unkempt," especially in STEM fields, even propagating a "top student" archetype: crew-cut hair, glasses, a patchy beard, and a gaunt frame.
This describes Wei's video to a tee. But must STEM geniuses conform to this trope? Newton was politically astute; Einstein's alleged slovenliness coexisted with a vibrant romantic life; Terence Tao, another Chinese prodigy, is socially adept and surpasses Wei's achievements. Such stereotypes crumble under scrutiny.
Even if Wei were genuinely reclusive and dependent, like Cavendish or Chen Jingrun, he should have had adequate support. Seeing his dental neglect enrages me: You launch accounts and publish articles for more attention, yet fail to safeguard the genius's basic well-being? Isn't it much more complex to create an account than to help Wei with his appearance in front of the camera? At barely thirty, he already appears aged, despite not yet reaching his peak. Research demands physical stamina—can his current health sustain further breakthroughs?
Years ago, interview footage showed Wei far more vibrant. What transpired since remains unknown. My fear? That certain parties, under the guise of promoting genius, are manipulating Wei into performing this "Chinese STEM savant" caricature, whether as a shield or for clout.
Geniuses differ from ordinary people, but not in every aspect. I embrace genius; I despise those who exploit it.
More:
Comment