Newfound Chinese Identity
Noë Bryant's transformation from identifying as African American for 41 years to embracing a Chinese identity marks a profound shift, inspired by social
media's influence. Driven by viral content, Bryant, a stay-at-home mother, embarked on a journey to immerse herself in Chinese culture. She consulted ChatGPT for guidance on essential Chinese pantry staples, investing approximately $200 to acquire ingredients like soy sauce and goji berries. Her declared aim was to become a 'Chinese baddie,' signaling a deliberate and enthusiastic adoption of this new lifestyle. Her daily routine now begins with warm herbal tea, and congee has become her preferred meal. She has adopted the practice of wearing slippers indoors and expresses a keen interest in trying acupuncture. This personal evolution reflects a broader societal movement where individuals are actively seeking to integrate aspects of Chinese life into their own.
The Rise of Chinamaxxing
Across the United States and the broader Western world, a notable phenomenon is unfolding: individuals of non-Chinese descent are enthusiastically adopting Chinese lifestyles, a trend colloquially termed 'Chinamaxxing.' This involves an earnest effort to embody the most Chinese version of themselves. Key to this movement are daily routines that have long been second nature to many Chinese individuals, such as consistently drinking hot water instead of cold beverages, avoiding walking barefoot inside the home, and engaging in longevity exercises. This surge in interest comes at a time when China's global cultural influence is ascendinng, concurrently with a perceived decline in the United States' own global appeal. The groundwork for this cultural exchange was laid approximately a year ago, partly due to concerns over a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., which prompted many users to migrate to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.
Social Media Catalysts
The migration to Xiaohongshu served as a significant catalyst for cultural cross-pollination, where Chinese users and the new arrivals engaged in mutual language learning, teaching each other Mandarin and English. This platform became a hub for sharing insights into daily life in their respective countries. High-profile American streamers like Darren Watkins Jr., widely known as IShowSpeed, and Hasan Piker, both undertook tours of China last year, broadcasting captivating visuals of the nation's futuristic urban landscapes to millions of viewers. Furthermore, merchandise like the Labubu dolls, crafted by Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart, achieved widespread popularity. Simultaneously, 'Chinamaxxing' memes began circulating across the internet, with social media users humorously adapting phrases like the iconic line from 'Fight Club,' 'You met me at a very interesting time in my life,' to 'You met me at a very Chinese time in my life.' This digital spread of memes and influencer content significantly amplified awareness and engagement with the trend.
Wellness and Lifestyle Shifts
A significant aspect of the Chinamaxxing trend involves the adoption of traditional Chinese medicinal practices and wellness routines. Influencers and everyday individuals alike are incorporating these ancient health philosophies into their modern lives. Sherry Zhu, a 23-year-old, has been instrumental in popularizing habits such as drinking hot water, consuming boiled apples, and wearing slippers around the house. She initially shared these practices, which are part of her own Chinese American upbringing in New Jersey, through TikTok videos that garnered millions of views. Her content often playfully suggests to viewers that they are 'turning Chinese.' Zhu expressed surprise at the immense popularity, initially viewing it as a humorous endeavor, but now sees it as an opportunity for greater exposure to Chinese culture. Crissa Jewel, a 31-year-old therapist in North Carolina, credits Zhu's videos with reigniting her commitment to embracing Chinese practices after a period of disengagement. Jewel, who was part of the RedNote community, had previously been learning Mandarin on Duolingo but had since stopped. She has now fully embraced drinking warm beverages, even offering warm water to her dogs, and believes it has resolved her dog Coco's stomach issues. Consuming tea with goji berries and red dates has also aided in alleviating her menstrual symptoms. Her shift towards warm drinks has elicited surprise and amusement from her friends and family, who consider her behavior unusual.
Motivations and Perceptions
For many individuals embracing these Chinese lifestyle habits, the primary motivation appears to be wellness rather than political alignment. The trend gained significant traction around the New Year, a period when people typically seek resolutions and improvements in their health. Alexia Torres, 24, began incorporating hot water and boiled apples into her diet at the start of the year. Inspired by qigong, a traditional Chinese movement practice, she now performs a daily hopping exercise each morning, which she believes aids in lymphatic drainage. She is also contemplating taking up tai chi, influenced by observing elderly individuals in Los Angeles parks practicing these slow, deliberate movements, appearing remarkably fit for their age. Torres muses that there might be substantial benefits to these practices. On the other hand, China's state media has embraced and amplified Chinamaxxing as a testament to the nation's expanding global influence. However, the reaction among many Chinese Americans is one of confusion and mixed emotions. Those who experienced childhood bullying for being different or faced anti-Chinese harassment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have complex feelings about the current embrace of Chinese culture by outsiders. Karen Lin, 32, initially felt excited seeing people appreciate Chinese culture, noting that 'being Chinese is cool' seemed to be the prevailing sentiment. However, this feeling shifted as the trend intensified, making it appear as though people were adopting her culture as a mere costume. She draws a parallel, stating, 'If I eat Mexican food, I’m not going to say I’m Mexican now.' This sentiment is echoed in discussions among Armond Dai's group chats with his Asian American friends. Dai, 28, from California, recalls growing up with practices like drinking hot water and boiling fruit for soups to combat colds. He finds it surreal that these ingrained habits are now becoming viral trends. His hope is that those adopting Chinese lifestyle habits will also extend genuine respect to Chinese people, emphasizing, 'You are at a Chinese time in your life. I will be Chinese forever.'
