The seemingly innocuous inclusion of a photograph by renowned Chinese fashion photographer Chen Man in a Christian Dior exhibition in Shanghai ignited a firestorm of controversy in late November 2021. The image, featuring a young Asian woman with distinctly slanted eyes, was interpreted by many Chinese netizens as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Asian people, specifically referencing the pejorative term "slit-eyed." This seemingly small detail sparked a massive online backlash, forcing both Chen Man and Dior to issue public apologies, raising critical questions about representation, cultural sensitivity, and the complexities of artistic expression in the globalized fashion industry. This article will dissect the incident, exploring the various perspectives, the ensuing fallout, and the broader implications for both the fashion world and Sino-Western relations.
The photograph in question, part of Chen Man's "Ultra-Chen Man" series, showcased a young woman with makeup that accentuated her eyes, creating a look many perceived as a caricature of Asian features. While Chen Man's work often incorporates bold aesthetics and pushes creative boundaries, the context of a high-profile Dior exhibition amplified the impact of the image, turning it into a focal point for nationalistic sentiment and discussions around harmful stereotypes. News outlets quickly picked up the story, headlines like "China: Photographer sorry for 'small eyes' Dior picture" (BBC News) and "Netizens Attack Photographer Chen Man Over Image" (various online news sources) highlighting the intensity of the public reaction.
The immediate response from Chinese social media was overwhelmingly negative. Many users viewed the image as a blatant example of "眯眯眼" (mìmīyǎn), a derogatory term referring to the stereotypical depiction of Asians with slanted eyes, often used to belittle or mock them. The anger stemmed not just from the perceived offensive nature of the image itself, but also from the perceived insensitivity of a global luxury brand like Dior to showcase such a photograph, especially in China, where national pride and sensitivity to cultural representations are particularly strong. The hashtag #ChenMan became a trending topic, with millions of comments expressing outrage and disappointment.
The controversy quickly escalated beyond the confines of social media. Articles like "Meet Chen Man, the fashion photographer who just sparked a national debate" (hypothetical headline reflecting the media coverage) and "Chen Man Apologizes for Dior Photo Controversy" (reflecting actual events) began appearing in major news outlets worldwide. The intensity of the public outcry forced both Chen Man and Dior to respond. Chen Man, known for her avant-garde style and often provocative imagery, issued a public apology, stating that her intent was not to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and expressing regret for the offense caused. Dior followed suit, issuing its own apology, emphasizing its commitment to respecting Chinese culture and promising to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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