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Now you hear about the 'Korean wave' - dramas, films, and K-pop music surpassing the Japanese obsession (although there are still plenty of people obsessed with Japan), yet it seems that, outside Chinese speaking Asia, a similar thing has not happened with Chinese pop culture. I guess there are a few Hong Kong movies, but overall, why did 'Canto-pop' or 'Mando-pop' ever really take off outside of Asia? Why didn't China create more sort of modern pop culture fads? In terms of traditional culture, China is still very influential of course from Chinese medicine to Taoism to food.
Speaking as someone who has never lived in China, Chinese culture seems very controlled, and there isn't much freedom of expression. As long as the government allows it, it can go, otherwise no. That is very restricting. Artists do not do well under heavy restriction. I'd like to see the souls of the Chinese artists, not the carefully managed allowance of it.
And as I said, this is from an outside perspective. I may not have it all right. But the perception that we will never see the true soul of a Chinese artist is very widespread.
There's plenty of truth to that, and even if there wasn't, that's the perception people have so that's how people will react to it. Chinese pop music is certainly controlled by censors, but tbh in content it's not exponentially different from jpop or kpop. It's a lot of dancing, mostly about love, the performers are all super hot. Chinese media is always a tough sell in the west, and China is viewed as a bully in Asia so their own region is largely disinterested. Korea is enjoying a similar cultural fascination in the West to what Japan commanded in the 80', and a certain segment of the public just can't gobble up their culture fast enough. Kpop, Korean BBQ, Korean cosmetics and beauty products are all popular enough... These are all things that are new and exciting. But Cpop isn't making a dent, the West already has accepted Chinese cuisine as its own, and many people would be mortified at the idea of putting a Chinese made cream on their face. Hell, I'm going to HK in a couple days and my gf is freaking out about buying Korean cosmetics.
Now you hear about the 'Korean wave' - dramas, films, and K-pop music surpassing the Japanese obsession (although there are still plenty of people obsessed with Japan), yet it seems that, outside Chinese speaking Asia, a similar thing has not happened with Chinese pop culture. I guess there are a few Hong Kong movies, but overall, why did 'Canto-pop' or 'Mando-pop' ever really take off outside of Asia? Why didn't China create more sort of modern pop culture fads? In terms of traditional culture, China is still very influential of course from Chinese medicine to Taoism to food.
have you ever heard of jay chou? that guy is a legend in china and the asian crowd in america.
The biggest cultural export out of China is the film industry. And that's limited for the reasons stated above. The film industry does a pretty good job of working within all the curbs that are put on creativity.
Did the Soviet Union ever put out a pop culture, that the world followed besides being portrayed as the bad guy in the movies?
Exactly, China is a communist country that is just emerging now with some changes towards more western ideals. Eventually they will put out a pop culture.
But it is a better thing that they dont because what good is pop culture going to do anyone besides the people who line their pockets off of it?
Did the Soviet Union ever put out a pop culture, that the world followed besides being portrayed as the bad guy in the movies?
Exactly, China is a communist country that is just emerging now with some changes towards more western ideals. Eventually they will put out a pop culture.
But it is a better thing that they dont because what good is pop culture going to do anyone besides the people who line their pockets off of it?
"Chinese" pop music is also produced in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. In fact, the three places have many famous singers and composers, known by all young people who speak Chinese. The mainland has a few famous pop singers too.
IMO, Chinese artists did not make enough efforts to export their works to the west. They thought the Chinese market is sufficient, and/or it is impossible to sell to the west.
"Chinese" pop music is also produced in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. In fact, the three places have many famous singers and composers, known by all young people who speak Chinese. The mainland has a few famous pop singers too.
IMO, Chinese artists did not make enough efforts to export their works to the west. They thought the Chinese market is sufficient, and/or it is impossible to sell to the west.
Post a video of one you like? I would like to see & hear it.
To be honest besides the Gungnam Style song, and maybe a few works of cinema, what korean pop culture icon has been exported? As for Japan, besides some anime, and electronics, and martial arts what have they exported?
The chinese have food they have exported to other cultures. They action/gangster movies are quite famous for its action sequences.
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