Uncovering the Viral Buzzword Capturing China’s Economic Woes
In recent months, a new buzzword has taken over Chinese social media, reflecting the growing public sentiment of despair and disillusionment amidst the country’s economic downturn. The term, “the garbage time of history” (历史的垃圾时间), has struck a chord with many, becoming a metaphor for the perceived inevitable decline of China’s prosperity.
The phrase emerged in the wake of a tragic incident involving a 30-year-old female investment banker who allegedly took her own life due to the immense psychological pressure of salary cuts, heavy housing mortgages, and the crashing real estate market. This event was seen as a symbolic representation of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens during what social media users have dubbed “the garbage time of history.”
The Origins and Meaning of “Garbage Time”
The term “garbage time” has its origins in sports, referring to the closing moments of a game when the outcome has already been determined. In this context, the players and spectators often disengage, and the game becomes meaningless. When Chinese social media users adopted the phrase, they applied it to a broader societal and historical context, suggesting that the current economic and political climate in China has entered a similar state of irreversible decline.
As Hu Wenhui, a prominent mainland Chinese writer, explained in his 2023 blog post, “Garbage Time of the History, Long Vacation for Culture,” the concept of “the garbage time of history” can be traced back to the final years of the Soviet Union under Leonid Brezhnev’s leadership. Hu argued that the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 marked the beginning of the end for the regime, and the subsequent period was characterized by a sense of futility and hopelessness.
Hu’s analysis extended to China’s own historical cycles, drawing parallels between the “garbage time” experienced during the fall of the Tang and Ming dynasties. He suggested that during these periods of decline, ordinary people should adopt a strategy of “hiding” or “exiting” – a form of passive resistance or withdrawal from the system, rather than futilely trying to change the course of events.
The Debate Surrounding “The Garbage Time of History”
The emergence of “the garbage time of history” as a viral term has sparked a heated debate within Chinese society. While some have embraced the concept as a way to express their growing disillusionment with the country’s economic trajectory, others have fiercely criticized it as a dangerous and subversive idea.
Wang Wen, a finance professor and columnist for the state-owned Global Times, lambasted the term as a “fabricated concept” that aims to “create a public expectation that the state will eventually fail.” He argued that the current period should be seen as a “critical time of history” rather than a “garbage time,” and accused those who use the term of harboring political fantasies and advocating for a “color revolution” to overthrow the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) rule.
On the other hand, some social media users have drawn parallels between the “garbage time of history” and the concept of “involution,” which describes the vicious cycle of intensified labor and competition within a stagnant economy. They argue that the two terms reflect a shared sentiment of being trapped in a system that no longer serves their interests or offers a clear path to prosperity.
Navigating the “Garbage Time of History”
Despite the ongoing debate, the widespread use of the “garbage time of history” term suggests that many Chinese citizens are grappling with a profound sense of uncertainty and hopelessness regarding the country’s economic future. As the housing market crumbles, businesses struggle, and job prospects dim, the idea of being caught in a historic decline has resonated with a growing number of people.
In response to this prevailing mood, some commentators have offered suggestions for how individuals can navigate the “garbage time of history.” Hu Wenhui, the writer who coined the term, recommended a strategy of “hiding” or “exiting” – a passive form of resistance that involves withdrawing from the system and focusing on personal and cultural pursuits.
Similarly, another blogger, Xi Ge, argued that during the “garbage time” era, individuals could attain a certain level of autonomy by maintaining physical and mental well-being, building supportive communities, and taking action within their means. The idea is to create pockets of resilience and self-reliance within the broader context of economic and social upheaval.
Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of “Garbage Time”
As the “garbage time of history” continues to dominate Chinese social media discourse, it serves as a sobering reflection of the public’s growing unease and disillusionment with the country’s economic direction. The term has become a potent symbol of the perceived decline of China’s prosperity and the sense of helplessness felt by many citizens.
While the debate surrounding the term rages on, it is clear that the concept has struck a deep chord with the Chinese public. Whether it represents a genuine reflection of the country’s economic challenges or a politically charged attempt to undermine the CCP’s rule, the “garbage time of history” has become a crucial lens through which to understand the complexities and anxieties shaping China’s present and future.
As the Joint Action for Water community, we must remain vigilant in monitoring the evolving discourse around “the garbage time of history” and its implications for water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy efforts. By staying informed and fostering constructive dialogues, we can better support the resilience and well-being of communities navigating these turbulent times.
