The recent departure of TikTok creators from the United States, due to concerns over an imminent ban on the app, has led to a wave of cross-cultural exchanges on Xiaohongshu, the Chinese social media platform often likened to Instagram and popularly known as RedNote.
These \"TikTok refugees\" are sharing their experiences on Xiaohongshu, creating unique opportunities for cultural exchange and a re-evaluation of the digital landscape. The platform has become a space where Chinese and American netizens engage in \"life audits,\" comparing everything from salaries and rents to healthcare costs and educational expenses. These online discussions are challenging deep-rooted stereotypes and offering fresh perspectives on each other's lifestyles.
Many American netizens are candidly sharing their struggles with high living costs, particularly in urban areas. The exorbitant cost of healthcare is a common theme. \"I just got a simple bill for a routine checkup and it was over $500,\" shared an American user. \"I can't imagine what a serious illness would cost! I feel like I'm constantly on the brink of financial ruin due to medical expenses.\"
In contrast, Chinese netizens highlight the affordability of goods and services in their country. Housing costs, especially in smaller cities, are often significantly lower compared to those in the United States. \"I can buy a decent apartment in my hometown for the price of a parking space in San Francisco,\" posted a Chinese user. \"It's crazy how different our living experiences are.\"
These exchanges also delve into cultural insights. Chinese netizens are surprised by the global popularity of Chinese pop music (C-pop) artists like Jackson Wang and Lay Zhang, and how these artists are contributing to the growing popularity of Korean pop music (K-pop) globally. This has sparked discussions about the globalization of music, the influence of Asian culture on global pop culture, and the changing dynamics of the music industry.
Meanwhile, American netizens express intrigue over the enduring popularity of classic rock bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones, and how these bands continue to influence contemporary music. This has led to debates about the preservation of musical heritage and the evolution of musical genres across generations.
The cross-cultural dialogues on Xiaohongshu offer valuable opportunities for people to learn about different lifestyles, values, and perspectives. As more users engage in these conversations, stereotypes are being dismantled, and mutual understanding is growing.
Reference(s):
Life 'audits' on Xiaohongshu demolish cross-cultural stereotypes
cgtn.com
