Summary of the Key Points
This article discusses the social phenomenon of "crotch nationalism," comparing the public opinion surrounding the cases of Li Xinsi from Dalian University of Technology and Wang Shui Niu from Fudan University. It analyzes the dynamics among three groups within the public discourse: the conservative traditionalists, the progressive decent people, and the postmodern humorists, and suggests that crotch nationalism is on the decline. The author criticizes the double-standard behavior of the progressive decent people, takes a compromising stance in favor of the humorists, and discusses the possible rationale for Fudan University's handling of Wang Shui Niu's case from a legal perspective.
1. Crotch Nationalism: From a "Blow to National Honor" to a Source of Entertainment
"Crotch nationalism" essentially views sexual resources as a bargaining chip in international competition: if a local woman dates a foreigner, it enhances national confidence; if a foreigner dates a local woman, it is considered a "blow to national honor" (as seen in the criticism directed at Li Xinsi by the conservative traditionalists). However, the public opinion has shifted from the Li Xinsi case to the Wang Shui Niu case. During the Li Xinsi incident, the conservatives demanded the expulsion of the student, while the progressives argued for sexual freedom, leading to a heated debate. In the Wang Shui Niu case (where a foreign student was involved in a romantic relationship), there was no outcry about national honor; instead, humorists saw it as an opportunity for entertainment and even suggested that Wang could become an expert in dating strategies.
2. The Three Groups within the Public Discourse
- Conservative Traditionalists: They regard sexual resources as "national property" and believe that allowing foreigners to have local women is a loss of face, advocating for the expulsion of involved students (as seen with Li Xinsi).
- Progressive Decent People: They support sexual freedom but are hypocritical—if a Chinese man cannot date a foreigner, they blame him for lacking sexual attractiveness or being "incel" (a term used to describe someone who is unable to find a partner); if a foreigner dates a local woman, they see it as a sign of cultural exchange.
- Postmodern Humorists: They care neither about right nor wrong, only whether the parties involved are willing and whether there is entertainment value. In the Wang Shui Niu case, they argued that since no coercion was involved and the women approached him voluntarily, there was no reason to criticize him.
3. The Hypocrisy of Progressive Decent People
The author exposes their hypocrisy:
- When a white man marries a yellow-haired or black woman, progressives say it's about sexual freedom and blame the man for his lack of attractiveness.
- When a Chinese man marries a Vietnamese or black woman, they criticize him for exploiting his status as a Chinese man.
- When a Chinese man cannot date a white woman, they call him "incel"; if he does marry a Vietnamese woman, they say he has no taste.
The author gives an example: Even if a young man from northern China marries a girl from Shanghai, the Shanghai family may look down on him—not due to his lack of sexual attractiveness, but because of regional and national stereotypes (with white men often having a perceived "foreign charm"). Progressives deliberately ignore these factors and blame the man himself.
4. The Author's Attitude
The author claims to be neither pro nor anti-one side, leaning more towards the humorists:
- He believes Wang Shui Niu did not break any laws (he was not forced or unfaithful) and should not be condemned; he even jokes about changing his name to "Wang Hai Niu" or "Niu Zi Hao."
- He criticizes both crotch nationalism and the hypocrisy of the progressive decent people, arguing that the former is too conservative and the latter too hypocritical.
- He emphasizes the importance of legal principles: unless school rules clearly prohibit such behavior (e.g., regarding public order and morality), students should not be expelled arbitrarily. If the rules do exist, the punishment should be proportional to the offense (for example, failing a course might be sufficient rather than immediate expulsion).
5. What Will Fudan University Do with Wang Shui Niu?
The author considers two possible outcomes:
- Possible Expulsion: Fudan has previously expelled students for prostitution, and this case received widespread attention; expelling Wang would be consistent with its rules (if they include provisions on public order and morality). As a foreign student, the cost of expulsion would be low, and it would have little impact on the university's reputation.
- Possible Non-Expulsion: If school rules do not explicitly prohibit such behavior and Wang did not break any laws, he should not be expelled (the author supports the rule of law).
Regardless of Fudan's decision, the author agrees that every institution has its own standards of decency, and as long as they do not violate the law, any outcome is justified.
This article uses the decline of "crotch nationalism" to highlight societal hypocrisy and prejudice, presenting a humorous perspective that helps readers understand the underlying logic in a light-hearted manner.