The Failure and Success of Proposals at Concerts: An Economic Analysis of Boundaries and Public Rules
Hello everyone, I'm your financial journalist and friend, an economist. Today, we're not talking about KPIs or GDP, but rather about a rather interesting “social experiment” that happened in the entertainment industry recently: Why was a proposal at Zhao Lei's concert met with widespread mockery and the singer was even chased by security, while at Deng Ziqi's concert, it became an “officially recognized” romantic moment?
This is more than just gossip about celebrity fans; it actually reveals profound changes in the use of public spaces, consumer expectations, and societal awareness of rules. Let's break down this phenomenon in simple terms and discuss the logic behind it from five different perspectives.
1. Core Summary: Romance Cannot Be Built on the Invasion of Others' Rights
In short, the proposal at Zhao Lei's concert failed because it tried to force private romance into a public setting without the consent of the audience.
- At Zhao Lei's concert: The audience paid to listen to music, but the couple turned the stage into a private display, blocking views, scattering candy, and interrupting the performance—this is a classic example of negative externalities: you got what you wanted, but others were harmed, and no one was compensated for the disruption.
- At Deng Ziqi's concert: The singer and the organizers had established rules for the proposal interaction, and the audience had expectations when buying tickets. The proposal was captured on large screens and blessed by the singer, creating positive externalities: everyone witnessed it, and no one felt offended.
In one sentence: When conducting a private ceremony in a public place, it must either follow an official procedure or be a spontaneous act that does not disturb others. The couple at Zhao Lei's concert did neither, so their proposal was inevitably met with ridicule.
2. Consumer Psychology: I Paid Thousands, Not to Be a Background
Let's do some math. Concert tickets, especially for top venues like the Bird's Nest, can cost thousands of yuan. For most people, this money is saved through frugality or through hard work.
In economics, we talk about “psychological accounts.” What do audience members assume they are buying when they buy a ticket?
- The main product: The chance to hear their idol perform and experience the atmosphere.
- The implied contract: They won't be disturbed, and they won't disturb others; they will have a clear view.
When Zhao Lei was singing a song that required a peaceful, immersive experience like “Southern Girl,” it was inappropriate for the front-row audience to stand up, wear a wedding dress, and scatter candy—it was like someone starting to dance in a library.
- At Deng Ziqi's concert: Her concert style is lively, and the proposal was already part of the performance (like a surprise in a movie). The audience expected and even welcomed the proposal, seeing it as a value-added service.
In simple terms: I paid to listen to music, not to serve as a backdrop or tolerate interruptions. This kind of forced addition was seen as a betrayal of the purchase experience.
3. Rule and Expectation Management: “Officially Recognized” vs. “Well-Laid-Out”
Why did Deng Ziqi's concert become a place for successful proposals? Because the rules were clear, and expectations were managed effectively.
- Deng Ziqi’s official process:
1. Preparatory songs like “No Matter How Far” created an emotional foundation.
2. Technical assistance: The use of large screens to randomly select couples added fun and fairness.
3. Singer interaction: Deng Ziqi’s personal blessing and playing the “Wedding March” gave the proposal official legitimacy.
4. The outcome: The proposal was a surprise for the chosen couple and a joy for the audience.
- Zhao Lei’s private plan: The couple’s preparation (wedding dress, veil, candy) was clearly planned in advance, but they ignored the organizers and used the public space without permission.
Economically: Well-designed systems reduce transaction costs and make such requests more acceptable. Zhao Lei’s attempt to take advantage of the venue’s atmosphere was unsuccessful due to the negative externalities they caused.
4. The Boundaries of Public Space: “My Freedom Ends at Your Nose”
Professor Xu Shuangmin from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law pointed out that private expressions in public spaces should not undermine public order and others’ rights.
- Properties of public spaces: Concerts are crowded areas where everyone’s rights are interdependent.
- You have the right to express love, but others have the right to be undisturbed.
- You have the right to be happy, but others have the right to enjoy the performance.
- Zhao Lei’s breach: Standing up, scattering candy, and interrupting the song were all violations of these rights.
In contrast: Deng Ziqi’s proposal was integrated into the performance, adding a pleasant surprise without disrupting the experience.
In simple terms: It’s like asking someone to leave a restaurant during a meal or to stop dancing in a cinema.
5. Style and Context: The Match Between Music and Setting
In addition to rules, music style and setting also affect the success of a proposal.
- Zhao Lei (folk music):
- Quiet, reflective, narrative.
- Audience: Immersed, focused.
- Incompatibility: A proposal during a quiet song disrupts the experience.
- Deng Ziqi (pop/rock):
- Lively, energetic, interactive.
- Audience: Excited, participatory.
- Compatibility: The proposal fit well into the lively atmosphere.
Economically: The music and setting should match; otherwise, it creates a mismatch that leads to dissatisfaction.
6. The Essence of a Proposal: The Partner, Not the Stage
Remember Chandler from Friends: “The only important thing about proposing is having the right person.”
- Zhao Lei’s couple: They treated the proposal as a performance, seeking attention, which turned into embarrassment.
- Deng Ziqi’s couple: They saw it as an interaction, enhancing the overall experience.
Advice for everyone:
- If you want to propose, check the rules first.
- Avoid public surprises; a private setting is more respectful.
- Respect others’ rights; your moment of joy shouldn’t come at their expense.
In conclusion: The failure at Zhao Lei’s concert was not due to a lack of understanding of romance but to a disregard for rules and public rights. The success at Deng Ziqi’s concert was due to clear rules, aligned expectations, and a well-matched setting.
In an era that values personal rights and public order, “appropriate romance” is the true essence of romance.