The politicization of Chinese celebrity fandoms: A case study of discursive practices in the 227 Movement

Abstract

Taking the 277 Movement as an example, I examine how recent Chinese fandoms have become familiar with political discussion by appropriating political issues. It may alter the tribal essence of fandom to share interests in the political communities that pursue social influence and navigate agenda-setting. Under such circumstances, fandom becomes a place for political expression, which has long been considered lost among Gen Z in China. Specifically, I attempt to unwrap politicized discursive practices by sampling and analyzing relevant tweets on Chinese social media Weibo from the perspectives of the social structure of traditional Chinese society, cyberspace policies, and political indifference among Gen Z.