Utilizing Satire in Post-Deng Chinese Politics: Zhao Benshan Xiaopin vs. The Falun Gong

Abstract

Although China’s institutional campaign against the Falun Gong has been closely observed and analyzed, researchers have failed to take note of the subversive power of satire utilized in the comic theatrical skits (xiaopin) of popular comedian Zhao Benshan to ridicule the Falun Gong. This exemplifies the Chinese Communist Party’s long-established political practice of “educating the masses.” Based on an analysis of what are now commonly referred to as “Zhao Benshan xiaopin” and their perceived impact on the Falun Gong issue, this article examines how satirical power in post-Deng Chinese politics has been employed, and it outlines the key features of the practice. This article reviews the use of satire as a political weapon in contemporary Chinese politics, before turning to focus on four relevant Zhao Benshan xiaopin and the way in which they create popular metaphors for propagating official views in the anti-Falun Gong campaign.