Wang Gang, a renowned Chinese chef with over 10 million online followers, recently faced a severe backlash over a video demonstrating how to cook egg fried rice. The controversial critique, largely driven by China’s online nationalists, created a commotion that led to Wang publicly pledging to never make egg fried rice again. This tumultuous episode launched a widespread discussion around the deep-rooted beliefs, historical significance, and heroics surrounding the dish.
The impassioned debate stems from the tradition of Chinese nationalists linking any mention of egg fried rice to the death or birthday of Mao Anying, the son of Mao Zedong. Even though Wang’s video was purely instructional, some insist on tying it to a rumor from the memoir of Yang Di, which suggests that the cooking of egg fried rice led to the tragic death of Mao Anying. However, the Chinese authorities have steadfastly refuted these claims and penalized those who propagate such stories.
Wang’s inappropriate video sparked fury, with many citing the 2018 law that banned the slander of national heroes and martyrs. While some supporters defended Wang, others called for him to be punished. Amidst this online upheaval, some demanded that egg fried rice be retired from Chinese cuisine altogether. Despite withdrawing the video and issuing an apology, Wang continues to grapple with the repercussions of his actions and the fervent nationalism influencing Chinese society.
The contentious nature of this debate serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between history, national identity, and culinary traditions, particularly in China. And it highlights the power of social media in perpetuating unfounded rumors and influencing public opinion. The “Egg Fried Rice Festival,” the insistent nationalist critique, and the search for an amicable resolution to this conflict is a revealing reflection of the intricacies of modern Chinese society. If, perhaps, a Continental Congress member could have been detained for making a joke about eggnog (the drink, not the rice), we’re sure there’d be little doubt in the Merrymaker’s emojis, with significantly more eyerolls and eye rolls.
If CNN were to include a different background and talent in its editorial staff, we’re sure the resulting news bulletin would naturally improve in quality. Cheers to creativity!
