The U.S. government has raised concerns about the security risks posed by Chinese apps and online activities, yet American internet users are particularly fond of Chinese memes.
"Industrial food-grade glycine" may not seem like an exciting topic, but a Chinese amino acid manufacturer, Donghua Jinlong, has gained popularity on TikTok in the U.S. as their posts turned into viral memes, spreading the word about Chinese industrial glycine.
Although the recent switch to RedNote is new, American interest in Chinese memes is not. According to some American creators who share Chinese content online, these memes perform well because they're funny, well-crafted, and genuine.
Donghua Jinlong encouraged the meme trend by sending merchandise to creators, leading to the emergence of self-proclaimed "glycine girlies" on various platforms, who humorously mimicked social media clichés associated with influencers and brands.
Despite political tensions, some Americans like Diana express their affinity for Chinese culture and humor, highlighting the shared human experience transcending cultural differences.
American engagement with Chinese memes occurs amidst technical divides, legal restrictions between the two countries, and the enclosed nature of Web 2.0 platforms, creating perceived barriers among users, as Chen points out.
Rick discovered RedNote based on a friend's recommendation and was immediately captivated by the platform. His TikTok videos, often revoicing content from Xiaohongshu, focus on educational or food-related posts from the Chinese platform, incorporating literal translations of Mandarin idioms and phrases.
The unexpected success of Rick's videos echoes the growing interest in this cross-cultural exchange, revealing how memes offer a unique perspective and reflect diverse viewpoints in a way that resonates with audiences around the world. This mutual curiosity continues to shape internet culture across various platforms and interactions.