ABSTRACT
In 2005 two young women achieved fame overnight in mainland China. One was Li Yuchun, champion of the first Chaonü, or “Super Girl,” contest (a Chinese version of American Idol). Li Yuchun is skinny, boyish, and presents herself in androgynous (zhongxin) fashion. 1 The second was Furong Jiejie (“Sister Lotus,” whose real name is Shi Hengxia), who posted photos of herself on the Qinghua University Internet forum adopting sexually assertive poses to highlight her body shape, accompanied by narcissistic captions. 2 While Li Yuchun garnered sensational Chinese headlines because of her unexpected success and controversial style, Furong Jiejie also became an Internet celebrity, receiving blanket coverage in newspapers, magazines, and television, though she became a laughing stock.
