Strawberry generation

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Strawberry generation (Chinese: 草莓族; pinyin: Cǎoméi zú; or 草莓世代; cǎoméi shìdài)[1] is a Chinese-language neologism for Taiwanese people born from 1990s onwards (corresponding to the Western Millennials and Generation Z) who "bruise easily" like strawberries – meaning they cannot withstand social pressure or work hard like their parents' generation; the term refers to people who are insubordinate,[2] spoiled, selfish, arrogant, and sluggish in work.[3]

The term arises from the perception that members of this generation have grown up being overprotected by their parents and in an environment of economic prosperity, in a similar manner to how strawberries are grown in protected greenhouses and command a higher price compared to other fruits.

The term is starting to gain prominence in the East Asian press, as it could be a way to designate a rising demographic or psychographic in terms of consumer behavior. The Strawberry Generation, like the Post-80s of China, could be the Asian counterpart of the Millennials or the so-called Snowflake generation in the Western world.

Ironic usage[]

The official logo of the Wild Strawberries Movement

In an ironic reference to the term, a 2008 student-led political movement in Taiwan started the Wild Strawberries Movement. This movement was in response to the visit of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) chairman Chen Yunlin to the island.[4][5] Police actions on protests aimed at Chen suppressed the display of Taiwan's national flag and the playing of Taiwanese songs. This prompted a group of 400 students in Taipei, Taiwan, to begin a sit-in in front of the Executive Yuan in protest of Taiwan's Parade and Assembly Law (Chinese: 集會遊行法).[6]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Rachel. "The Strawberry Generation". sex.ncu.edu.tw. National Central University Center for the Study of Sexuality. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  2. ^ Schott, Ben (30 November 2008). "Strawberry Generation". Schott's Vocab (column). The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Strawberry generation". People's Daily Online. 7 January 2010.
  4. ^ Cooper, Marc (7 December 2008). "Taiwanese students protest demonstration law". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  5. ^ "Wild Strawberries: Taiwanese Student Movement Stirs Anew". International Herald Tribune. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  6. ^ Chang, Rich; Wang, Flora & Ko, Shu-ling (11 November 2008). "DPP proposes parade law amendment". Taipei Times. Retrieved 11 November 2008.

External links[]


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