Mantous and alpacas as weapons of the weak: Chinese spoof video and self-expression online

Abstract

Chinese Web users are using video spoofs in an attempt to reclaim expressive space in Chinese-language cyberspace. In a manner reminiscent of shunkouliu (humorous sayings), that circulated particularly widely during the late 20th century, video spoofs are being used to express discontent with a range of political and social issues and policies while using a veil of humour to obfuscate the target of the satire. These spread of these videos and the ideas they express have caused changes to Chinese Internet regulations.