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Chinese social media platforms are experiencing a subtle revival of clever, Soviet-style jokes. These jokes are designed to be too obscure for censors to fully grasp while still providing a chuckle for cynics. Some of these jokes are so esoteric that their satire is only confirmed when the censors delete them, reminiscent of dissident humor in the former Soviet Union. One such joke, monitored by the China Digital Times, fell into this category.
It goes: “While on vacation, I accidentally stubbed my toe. When I took a closer look, I realized it was a bronze lamp. It was dirty, so I cleaned it off, and out popped a genie! The genie said it could grant me any wish. ‘Is that so?’ I replied. ‘Well then, can you make you-know-who you-know-what?’ Before I could finish my sentence, the genie rushed over, covered my mouth, and asked, ‘Are we even allowed to say that?'”
The author’s account seems to have been shut down after the joke was deleted. The China Digital Times commented, “Of course, by banning the joke and its author, censors merely proved the punchline. This is not the first time that ‘Soviet-style’ jokes have become Chinese realities.”
Dark humor is just one sign of the challenges facing China today. The slowdown in economic growth is affecting people’s lives, with labor unrest, youth unemployment, and declining home values since mid-2021. The news that China has officially entered deflation adds another unwelcome element to the mix. Deflation can deter consumer spending, which Beijing relies on for economic recovery from the pandemic.
This issue is not only relevant to China itself but also has global implications. China is expected to contribute 35% of global growth this year, more than any other economy. It also serves as a driving force for the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to account for 67% of global GDP expansion, according to the IMF.
While Chinese policymakers are considering economic stimulus measures, they are overlooking a crucial reality. China’s issues are not solely economic but also a mix of psychological and political factors. The revival of Soviet-style jokes points to a unique blend of psycho-political challenges hindering economic growth.
Wang Ning, a technology consultant in Beijing, exemplifies how concerns about China’s political direction impact consumer spending. Despite earning a high salary, Wang has started imposing spending limits on himself due to geopolitical and job market insecurity. The fear of a potential invasion of Taiwan or a collapse in the real estate market has caused many city dwellers to save more and limit their expenditures.
Wang’s anxiety also stems from seeing friends in sectors such as property, private equity, and investment banking lose their jobs or face pay cuts due to economic trends and regulatory measures. Under Xi Jinping, China’s emphasis on “comprehensive national security” has permeated all aspects of life, leading to an economy overshadowed by political concerns.
The European Institute for Asian Studies suggests a return to the free market reforms of Deng Xiaoping and immediate stimulus from Beijing to counter deflation. Failing to address these challenges may worsen China’s psycho-political malaise.
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