China’s Post-1980 Generation Leads Nationalism

The post-1980 generation of China is increasingly drawing global attention. This particular generation represents the young Chinese who were born after the country’s reform and market opening in 1978 through the 1990s. They are emerging as a main force of Chinese nationalism and patriotism by leading demonstrations to support the torch relay for the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

▽ Individualism and Consumerism

So far, the post-1980 generation has been perceived rather negatively. Born in a market economy, they enjoyed material abundance while growing up. Mostly only-child in their families, they were known as “little emperors” who show strong personality and self-centered behaviors.

Some say that they are a headache for corporations due to their low level of loyalty and frequent job hopping. They are also known as poor team players because of their individualistic attitudes.

However, being a key consumer group, the generation has the power to change the Chinese market as they like. Moreover, they account for a vast majority of 220 million Internet users in China, serving as a driving force behind the budding Internet boom of the country.

▽ Driving Unity of China

Recent events surrounding the Beijing Olympics highlighted the post-1980 generation as the center of unity and patriotism in China. Chinese say on the recent disruptions of Olympic torch relay, “Chinese have never been united this strongly.” At the center of such unity is the post-1980 generation.

Most of the Chinese who took to the streets bearing the Chinese national flags while the torch was being circulated in 19 countries over the past month were the post-1980 generation. More than 90 percent of the 2.6-million Chinese who submitted their applications to become one of the 500,000 volunteers for the Beijing Olympics are from that very generation. They are also leading boycotts against foreign corporations and spreading nationalistic sentiments through the Internet.

Behind their nationalistic attitudes is underlying confidence and sense of accomplishment earned in the process of economic development. Furthermore, unlike their preceding generations who experienced imperialist invasions from the West, they do not have any inferiority complex against the Western world.

Li Huan, a 26-year-old Chinese studying in France, is considered representing the generation. He argued in a pro-Olympics rally held in April 19 in Paris, saying, “If the post-1980 generation does not lose its pride, China will not lose its pride.”

▽ Expectations and Concerns About the Post-1980 Generation

The generation is little resistant to foreign cultures. They are also more rational than the older generations and critical of the existing order. Therefore, some expect that the post-1980 generation will make China a more open society, smoothly transforming it to join the global system.

However, at the same time, their nationalistic attitudes in which they cherish and recover Chinese culture and values could cause conflicts with the international community. In particular, a combination of patriotism and their sense of accomplishment and pride built in the process of rapid economic development could lead to “intolerant nationalism.”

It was out of such concerns that the Chinese official press said, “Patriotism should be rational,” on the intensifying nationalistic actions by the generation.

bonhong@donga.com