Patriotism gone awry: China’s fragile ‘little pinks’ are on a dangerous Trump-like warpath
- Beijing’s online defenders appear wholly committed to the nation but are damaging China’s image, harming its interests and causing divisions
- Their latest target is rapper Namewee and his viral hit ‘Fragile’, but the behaviour it lampoons should give them and officials pause to reflect, not rage
There’s obviously nothing wrong with being proud and protective of your country. But as important, and perhaps more so for the sake of a stable, fair and inclusive society, is to also stress morality, integrity and honesty.
In blindly supporting all that the government and officials say and do, they spit hatred around the world through their “us against them” posts. They appear to be wholly committed to the nation but are also damaging China’s image, harming its interests and causing divisions.
But mostly it allows them to point fingers, threaten and harass. For those not considered at one with the agenda, such behaviour can be a crime; for patriots, it’s usually fine.
His Mandarin-language song Fragile, featuring Chinese-Australian singer Kimberley Chen, has lyrics that appear to be about breaking a brittle heart but can also be read as mocking “little pinks”.
But what passes as humorous and clever in the wider Chinese world does not necessarily get laughs and plaudits in mainland China. It is banned there amid claims of insulting China and the Chinese people.
The “little pinks” are just like sports fans. They go wild when the team or player they support wins and get pleasure from the defeat of opponents. It’s a “win at all costs” mentality, and they have no qualms about hurting or humiliating others or the use of dirty tricks to win.
Revealed: the digital army making hundreds of millions of social media posts singing praises of the Communist Party
I still remember the comment posted about one of my columns from someone who had previously expressed pro-Beijing views: “I wish someone would punch this guy in the face.” Another said: “Does this guy ever have anything good to say about Hong Kong? Mate, if you don’t like it, then leave. It’s that simple. Hong Kong doesn’t need your imperialist hatred.”
Nationalism can also lead to instability, causing rifts among the chosen ones and those who are considered outcasts. The “little pinks” are treading the same path as Trump supporters – with Beijing’s blessing.
This is what happens to patriotism when it is misdirected. Namewee’s video has been silenced in mainland China, but it makes a valid point that officials would be wise to heed.
Peter Kammerer is a senior writer at the Post