User:Ghostbumps/sandbox

Etymology

The term “Fuerdai” is a literal translation of ‘rich second generation’ and initially referred to the offspring of Fuyidais, pertaining to individuals born into high socioeconomic status families. Fuerdais then subsequently integrated into a wealthier lifestyle through inheritance as opposed to self-acquisition.

There has been increased media coverage of Fuerdais, with a growing trend toward the term being used in a derogatory manner. The depiction of Fuerdais in this regard emphasises the elements of perceived overindulgence of lavish lifestyles and amplified importance on materialism. However, the notion of Fuerdais also serving as productive and educated individuals which contribute to the Chinese economy and industrial landscape is also considered applicable. The belief that many Fuerdais deviate from the infamous consumerist lifestyle by striving to sustain and further their inherited wealth serves as a contradicting ideal to the aforementioned depiction. Varying viewpoints originate from the pejorative connotations of Fuerdai, in which the argument of the terminology has resulted in the creation of the Chinese term Chuangerdai, which emphasises the perceived entrepreneurial nature of some Fuerdais.

History

Origins

Fuerdais emerged approximately 2 decades following China's economic reform in 1978  attributed to the mass migration of Rural Chinese towards Urban regions, including Shenzhen and Shanghai. Policies such as the Open Door Policy enabled China to establish significant economic growth rates, approximated to 9.6% annually between the Beginning of the Economic Reform in 1979 to 2016. The large increases in wealth enabled rapid increases in household wealth, culminating in the inception of Fuyidai (Chinese: 富一代; pinyin: Fùyīdài; lit. 'rich first generation'; [fû.ítâi]).

Fuerdais began to emerge as the succeeding generation of the Fuyidai born during the 1980s  enjoying the benefits of an improved quality of life through the beneficiaries of China’s economic development advancements. The significant eradication of poverty further reinforced China's economic reform, with over 700 million Chinese experiencing a deviation from previously prevalent impoverished conditions. The opened and trade emphasis implemented by China since the Reform Era enabled some previously impoverished residents to capitalise on the heightened accessibility of international trade. Compounded with the substantial increases in industry and Foreign Direct Investment, many Chinese experienced an alteration from classification of poor to immense prosperity.

2010s

Beginning in the 2010s, Fuerdais began to become a rising subject of intense media coverage in China, with the perceived scrutiny of Fuerdai behaviour as driven by spoilt attitudes, unappreciation of their financial standing and excessive consumption of luxury items causing public harm. Furthermore, the rise of social media and international tertiary studies amongst the Chinese youth population has further deepened the perceived hostility of Fuerdais by the wider Chinese population. In Australia, the increased presence of Chinese international students of wealthy backgrounds have created some discontent with Chinese-Australians, with similar perceptions shared by those in Mainland China. Instances of displeasure towards Fuerdais have occurred, including the reported ridicule of murdered prosperous Chinese, reflecting the escalating sentiments of disdain.

Characteristics

Fuerdais are often characterized as beneficiaries of inherited wealth, culminating in the emphasis of materialistic goods including Designer Clothing and accessories, luxury vehicles and compounded by partying lifestyle through the somewhat unrestricted usage of money provided by their affluent families. Fuerdais are often the offspring of highly influential individuals possessing government or private sector roles, including management and executive positions. Such aspects are frequently incorporated into social media accounts, serving as the primary source of illustrating the daily lives of Fuerdais in order to display such individuals as of a high socioeconomic status and subsequent elegance, amplifying their popularity and influence in the process. In particular, Fuerdai consumerism is often circulated around the lack of barriers they face, enabling them to embrace items with greater ecological and aesthetic attributes. The element of class consciousness is further represented by the emphasis of conspicuous consumer culture. This is encapsulated by the focus on products such as "food, clothes and leisure to housing". Class identity amongst Fuerdais can also be attributed to the favouritism towards high profile and exquisite material goods, which extends to the criteria of both brand image and country of origin. The belief of highly distinct and reputable items serving as a hallmark of distinguishable identity is prevalent among Fuerdais.

Chanel Wallet is a symbol of wealth validation by Fuerdais

Attributed to the wealth acquired by the aforementioned Fuyidai and due to the intense nature of the Chinese education system as well as the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of overseas countries, Fuerdais are also significantly present in Western Countries such as the United States and Australia. Overseas tertiary education opportunities have substantially risen for international students (Australia; 526932 students in 2013, 28.9% from China), highlighting their evolving significance towards the landscape of tertiary education in these countries. In particular, the high proportion of Chinese international students in Australia and the United States have facilitated the emergence of Fuerdais within these regions. The higher wealth experienced by Fuerdais can be reflected in the aspects of clothing, transportation and accommodation, allowing for greater access to items considered to be luxurious. Consequently, the stark differences between Fuerdais and the local population of corresponding ages 19–25 are related to the accentuated possession of material items, with Fuerdais often possessing luxury vehicles and other goods deemed unobtainable for significant portions of their domestic counterparts. Other classifications of Fuerdais in foreign countries include Hypebeasts, stemming from the perceived interest in social media influence and the subsequent following of current fashion trends. Furthermore, the stark differences in lifestyle are portrayed on social media, accentuating the unique elements of the wealth of Fuerdais in overseas countries.

Public Image and Reception

Public image and Reception of Fuerdais in China is overwhelmingly negative, with Fuerdais often the subject of criticism through media coverage in relation to perceived obnoxious and reckless behaviour originating from their wealthy background. Often stereotyped as arrogant, spoilt, and opportunistic towards inherited wealth, a viewpoint of Fuerdias by the wider Chinese population entails indignation and gluttonous behaviour worthy of widespread condemnation. Hostility towards Fuerdais have also been reported, with a 2011 murder of wealthy Chinese receiving resentful comments including “he deserved to die” and “the murder was nicely done”. Moreover, instances of perceived welcoming of the deaths of wealthy Fuerdais included the April 11, 2012 murders of Ming Qu and Ying Wu, which were received with the opinion of the parading of wealth, citing the pair’s shooting was ‘deserved’. The perceived element of scorn towards wealthy people within Chinese culture can be attributed to the widening negative reception towards Fuerdais. The derogatory term 'Tuhao', meaning 'the country millionaires', reinforces the widespread belief amongst Mainland Chinese towards Wealthy Chinese, denoted by a sense of pretentiousness and condescending nature. Due to the corresponding relation between the term 'Fuerdai' and 'Tuhao', individuals classified under such terms are often criticised for lacking morality and viewed with contempt. Contrastingly, it is argued by Fuerdais that such perceptions originate from jealousy of wealth stemming from a relative lack of financial capabilities possessed by detractors.

However, perceptions of Fuerdais can somewhat deviate from wider Chinese public and media viewpoints, with the notion of Fuerdais being capable successors to their familial source of wealth. Due to the highly negative connotation of Fuerdais within China, many Rich Second Generation conceal their wealth and social status in an attempt to avoid public vitriol. Moreover, this belief encompasses their dichotomous nature, with the perception of possessing desirable and somewhat undesirable qualities being applicable to a range of Fuerdais. Xi Jinping's perceived targeting of billionaires in recent years have further reinforced the notion of remaining low-profile, directly conflicting with the flashy demeanour associated with Fuerdais. The belief of abstaining from social media through most depicting one's wealth is accelerating amongst Fuerdais, who also fear scrutiny from the Chinese Communist Party. Such sanctions include controversial imprisonment and diminished wealth through the tarnishing of public reputation. Consequently, an increasing number of Fuerdais are striving to avoid public attention in order to circumvent contempt from the Chinese Communist Party and the media.

Controversies

Several controversies regarding Fuerdais have occurred within China, resulting in public outrage over the perceived spoilt and irresponsible nature of their behaviour. Such incidents have further fueled the negative reception of Fuerdais, with many speculating the abuse of wealth and social influence through familial background precipitating the negligent actions. In 2011, Li Qiming was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for a fatal vehicle accident whilst under the influence, killing 20 year old Chen Xiaofeng and injuring another woman. During the incident, it was alleged that Li Qiming remarked “Go ahead, sue me. My father is Li Gang.” Consequently, hostility towards Fuerdais began to manifest through the statement “My father is Li Gang” serving as a representation of Fuerdais within Chinese social media. Perception of Fuerdais continued to gravitate towards a negative manner after this incident, with the controversial nature of Li Gang's actions further facilitating the perceived validation of revulsion .

Fuerdai incidents have also precipitated adverse impacts on their parents, with their positions of influence and authority often facing repercussion. In 2012, Ling Jihua's son, 23 year old Ling Gu, was involved in the car crash of a black Ferrari, killing himself and one woman. Due to the significant media coverage surrounding the incident as well as Ling Gu's Fuerdai status, Ling Jihua's political career was stunted and subsequently demoted from the Deputy Position of President Hu Jintao. However, initial media reports were suppressed by Chinese censorship, signifying the perception of double standards and increased protection for the reporting of Fuerdais. Stemming from the influence of Fuerdais on social media, controversies surrounding the infamous consumption culture have prompted conflicting perceptions in relation to perceived pursuit of affluence and ostentation. Notably, Wang Sicong notoriously photographed his dog wearing $20000 Apple watches in 2016, sparking discussion regarding the use of wealth as a means to increase social media attention. Moreover, Wang Sicong was also noted as stating the criteria of his potential partners, denoted as the required criteria of "buxom". The controversy of Fuerdais conducting supposed acts of wealth boastfulness have dominated the landscape of online discussion towards the Rich Second Generation, with the belief of an element of pretentiousness initiating rejection by various parts of China’s internet landscape. The ostenatious nature is a controversial component amongst Fuerdais and the wider Chinese public. The rejection of such behaviour controversially serves as a motivating factor for some Fuerdais through resistance of contempt.