Digital Dynamic 0: Creative Online Activism for Censored Spaces in Shanghai Lockdown (ft. Yuri)
Description
The fifth and last episode of the Digital X Dynamic 0 series, where guests and I explore different digital aspects of our experiences during the heavily restricted 2022 Shanghai city-wide lockdown, imposed officially from April until June as part of the Chinese government's national "dynamic zero-COVID" policy.
**Note: This episode was originally published Nov 28 2022, but was re-uploaded due to an audio glitch**
Yuri and I explore what activism looks like in heavily censored spaces like the Chinese Internet, and the inventive ways Chinese netizens use to creatively engage with sensitive issues that trigger censors. I ask Yuri about how they became interested in social advocacy, and critical moments during the lockdown that sparked outrage online and subsequently widespread collective action, notably the ‘Voices of April’ (四月之声) video. What does "jiē lì" (pass on the baton) mean? Why did people overlay fanfiction essays with random pictures or start quoting Chairman Mao on Douyin (Chinese TikTok)? Was video circulation expressing the discontent of citizens more like a "relay" or a "carnival"?
**To protect Yuri's confidentiality, their voice has been disguised. Please excuse the strange audio!**
'Voices of April’ (四月之声) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pzwkFCAv44
Topics mentioned are topical to other recent events at the time of publication:
- For more information on the University College Union strikes for staff in higher & further education across the UK, please visit: https://www.ucu.org.uk/rising or search #ucuRISING on social media platforms.
- Learn what's happening following the Urumqi fire in Xinjiang (24th November 2022): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-63752407
United States
