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China Knockoff Craze Gains Steam, Courage

Shanzhai culture shifts from brand names to national symbols

By Kristina Loew,  Newser User

Posted Jan 24, 2009 12:27 AM CST
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(Newser) – An internet variety showed parodying the annual lunar new year gala on Chinese central TV is just the most publicized knockoff generated by the country’s rebellious shanzhai culture, the Wall Street Journal reports. Once mainly the province of counterfeit name brands (think HiPhone), the web now is awash with puckish counterfeits of official symbols, like shanzhai pandas—dogs trimmed and dyed to look like the bear.

“The shanzhai culture as … a parody to mainstream culture can add fun to our daily lives,” reads an editorial in an official state newspaper. “However, we should remain vigilant against it as a justification for rip-off products.” One media critic enjoys the burgeoning self-expression: “It gives people another choice and the possibility of resisting dominant cultural values.”

Film star Jackie Chan will be among those participating in CCTV's lunar new year variety show; the web version may be slightly less professional.
Film star Jackie Chan will be among those participating in CCTV's lunar new year variety show; the web version may be slightly less professional.   (AP Photo)
A shanzhai panda, or a fluffy dog trimmed and dyed to look like China's national symbol.
A shanzhai panda, or a fluffy dog trimmed and dyed to look like China's national symbol.   (mop.com)
A woman walks her shanzhai panda.
A woman walks her shanzhai panda.   (mop.com)
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The CCTV show is an expensive and exquisite party. But it's not necessarily the thing we common people want the most. - Shi Mengqi, organizer of a web-only
lunar new year variety show

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Shanzhai growing in China
UPI Asia.com

Fakes-only mall set to open in China
Daily Mirror (UK)

More on the 'village version' panda
Chinese Session

CCSTV's site (in Chinese)
CCSTV.net

 
China • Starbucks • McDonald's • Pizza Hut • Wall Street Journal • art • knockoff • Haagen-Dazs • Shanzai • shanzhai

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