Luo Denlian
The Lunar New Year is approaching, but on social media across the ocean, the flavor of the New Year is stronger than ever. Many young people have begun to learn to drink hot water, wear slippers, and live a Chinese life seriously. This trend started by Sherry (Xirui Zhu), a Chinese-American girl, has no grand narrative or deliberate propaganda. It just turns daily life into a trend, allowing the world to quietly approach China. (Beijing News Network, February 14)
Zhu Xirui's popularity was accidental. A joke video was viewed over one million times overnight. She herself said that it was not she who was on fire, but the Chinese culture hidden in the fireworks. This kind of cultural output that impresses the world is nothing more than an ordinary detail of life. The hot water my mother ordered, the slippers always available at home, and the hot soup on the table, these habits that have been ingrained in my bones since childhood, become the most touching words once they are sincerely shared.
Culture is not an exhibit hanging on the wall, but the temperature that falls on the day. Zhu Xirui did not write an exquisite script, he just expressed his feelings while growing up. She explained catching colds and getting angry, conveyed the principles of Chinese health care in simple words, and taught everyone to take care of their bodies. This kind of unintentional sharing reduces the sense of distance and adds a sense of intimacy, making foreign netizens willing to follow and learn, and they become addicted after learning.
Whether it’s “cultural identity” or “cultural appropriation,” there’s no need to worry about it. When people accept a way of life with understanding and take the initiative to feel the kindness and wisdom behind it, it is appreciation from the heart and a two-way approach. Zhu Xirui said very clearly that living habits belong to everyone, and willingness to learn and practice is the "best recognition".
However, the most touching thing is the kind of equality and relaxation. No one is superior, and no one passively accepts it. Everyone checked in along with the video and joked with each other, turning learning culture into a relaxed and happy thing. Netizens call her Chinese cousin and refer to each other as Chinese Baddie. They build trust through easy teasing and get closer through frequent interactions. This kind of natural cultural exchange is like chatting with friends and getting along with family, comfortable and comfortable.
In fact, the code for breaking cultural circles is hidden in the most ordinary daily life. A bowl of hot porridge, a cup of warm water, and a pair of slippers hide the Chinese people's love for life and kindness to others. These simple things transcend language and national boundaries and reach people's hearts. What young people like is not rigid indoctrination, but tangible and tangible reality.
The Spring Festival is approaching, and Zhu Xirui is preparing to return to China and continue to share the real China with more people. She wants to write Chinese songs and record more local customs. This cultural road paved by life will become wider and wider.
Really powerful communication is not deliberate persuasion, but quiet influence. The world actively chooses to live closer to us, accept our habits, and like our culture. This is our best "cultural confidence." No need to show off, no need to make noise, just live a good life and let your own light shine.
