An Experimental Narrative:
The deformity of a female identity, 2024

2024

This archival project delves into the intricate web of virtual misogyny within contemporary Chinese cyber culture, shedding light on the pervasive influence of digital platforms in shaping societal norms and individual perceptions of femininity. The archive is constructed with three chapters, "Cyber Misogyny", "Rashōmon Narratives", and "Who's Jen?". The first two chapters archive the research process of the existing societal phenomenon and the exploration of nonlinear narratives on femininity. The last chapter serves as an archive of the creation process of the experimental project "Who's Jen?".

Through a comprehensive examination of online spaces such as WeChat, TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and Weibo, the archive unveils the complex interplay of socio-cultural norms, technological dynamics, and individual psychosocial processes contributing to the internalization of misogynistic beliefs among users.

Drawing parallels with Rashomon narratives from Ryunōsuke Akutagawa's short fiction Rashōmon and Wayne Wang's film Chan is Missing, the archive showcases how conflicting perspectives on female identity are perpetuated through virtual voyeurism, where women are often objectified, reduced to stereotypes, and subjected to gendered expectations. Algorithmic biases inherent in these platforms further exacerbate this cycle, amplifying content that reinforces traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

The archive also explores the emergence of feminist activism within Chinese virtual spaces, documenting the use of slogans and catchphrases aimed at challenging toxic masculinity. However, it highlights the paradoxical phenomenon of mainstream culture's focus on criticizing women associated with traits resembling toxic masculinity, leading to an internal scrutiny movement within the female community.

Through a combination of textual analysis, visual documentation, and cultural commentary, this archival project provides a comprehensive insight into the roots of internalized misogyny and distorted femininity within the digital landscape. It aims to serve as a resource for activists, and any general individual interested in understanding and confronting the complexities of gender dynamics in contemporary Chinese society.

Xiangying Fang

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