In China, discussion topics ranged from women’s freedom and self-sexualization, to the
male gaze and feminism. Some commentators lauded Lisa’s decision to perform
cabaret as an expression of her artistic freedom, emphasizing that the burlesque style
of dance is legal and has a time-honored heritage in France, and that Le Crazy Horse is
a famed institution with high artistic values.
Other netizens voiced concern that Lisa’s risqué performance would negatively
influence her massive young following. Some went a step further, criticizing her for
objectifying herself as a sexual object (as an Asian female) to the Western male gaze.
At the core of the debate is Chinese perceiving cabaret as a lewd business that goes
against societal norms. As seen from social media responses, many Chinese women
consider it a deeply misogynistic profession in which those from lower socioeconomic
backgrounds are easily exploited by men.
https://jingdaily.com/posts/lisa-cabaret-performance-china-react
Many individuals believe that Crazy Horse deserves to be viewed unfavorably due to a
lack of awareness surrounding its true nature...which is why my statement may be
deemed ''unpopular''. This misconception stems from the fact that many people are
unaware of what Crazy Horse actually is, often mistaking it for a strip club. However,
there is a distinct difference between strip clubs and cabarets. While strip clubs focus on
seductive dancing, cabarets utilize nudity as a means to convey a message or express
themselves artistically. Rather than using their bodies solely for sexual gratification,
cabaret dancers use them as a canvas to tell stories. Personally, I appreciate this
aspect because it showcases nudity in a non-sexualized manner, which is not
commonly seen in our society.
——Global_Stomach9571
Lisa is a woman sexualizing herself for her own benefit and people hate that because
the power is in her hands and not theirs.
Lisa has been sexualized her whole career and I’m willing to bet a large majority of
those criticizing her performance at Crazy Horse were perfectly fine with that until the
decision fell into her hands, when the choice became hers alone to embrace her
sexuality. It’s part of this whole concept stemming from purity culture that women can’t
be sexual creatures in their own regard or enjoy anything of a sexual nature, it can only
be by others (particularly men) “allowing” or “bestowing” it upon them.
——chilorida
https://www.reddit.com/r/kpoprants/comments/185dlj4/
lisa_getting_backlash_for_performing_at_crazy/?rdt=64129
Online users also noticed that Angelababy can no longer post on her Weibo account
and her Douyin account has also been blocked.
According to Weibo, her account will be restricted due to a 'violation of relevant laws
and regulations'.
Many online users speculated that this could be because she attended Lisa's show after
photos on social media allegedly showed the actress entering and leaving the cabaret.
In an Instagram post in October, Crazy Horse shut down rumors that Angelababy was
present.
Angelababy is one of the many celebrities being affected by China's strict censorship
laws that aim to crack down on celebrities with 'incorrect politics' and who are 'vulgar
and obscene’.
"Actress Angelababy's Weibo and Douyin Account Restricted After Reportedly being at
Blackpink's Lisa's 'Crazy Horse' show." Malay Mail, Nov 03, 2023. ProQuest,
http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com
%2Fnewspapers%2Factress-angelababys-weibo-douyin-account%2Fdocview
%2F2885388796%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12768.
The now-deleted Instagram post showcased Lisa donning a pink wig and striking a pose
in daring attire, triggering a wave of criticism from online critics. Accusations of
promoting nudity and objectifying women inundated Chitthip and the Blackpink
star. One Instagram user even called for Lisa's exit from the K-pop world,
asserting it would tarnish her image as a role model for impressionable teenage
fans.
In the midst of this digital tempest, Lisa's dedicated followers and prominent figures,
including Thai actress Diana Flipo and TV host Vuthithorn "Woody" Milintachinda,
rallied in support of the mother-daughter duo, encouraging them to brush off the
negativity. One supportive user expressed, "You're the best mom who is always
by Lisa's side. Don't worry about anything; we will always love and support Lisa."
Others chastised critics for imposing their morality on artistic freedom.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/k-pop/music/news/blackpinks-lisa-
faces-backlash-after-her-mother-shares-controversial-photo-of-cabaret-
performance/articleshow/104196050.cms
1. What interesting conversations across texts emerge? Where do sources agree?
Where do they disagree?
Several sources agree that Lisa's decision to perform at the Crazy Horse represented a
form of artistic freedom and self-expression. They argue that cabaret is a legitimate and
time-honored art form in France that embodies high artistic values and should be
appreciated rather than condemned.
In addition, some critics agree that the negative public perception of Crazy Horse
stemmed from a lack of understanding of the connotations of burlesque, which
distinguishes it from strip clubs by highlighting its artistry and storytelling.
There was a clear divide between those who found Lisa's performance empowering and
those who found it inappropriate, with the latter fearing that it would have a negative
impact on her young followers. Critics argue that Lisa's performances objectify her as a
sex object, especially under the scrutinizing lens of Western males, which violates the
entitlements that women are seeking. The debate also centers on the tension between
adherence to social norms and personal autonomy. Critics favor traditional values and
argue that stripper culture is inappropriate for idols, while supporters advocate for
personal choice and challenging social restrictions.
2.What emotions surround and fuel this debate? In what way are people angry or
frustrated or scared, etc.?
The debate is charged with a mix of anger, frustration, and fear. Critics express anger
and disappointment over what they perceive as a promotion of nudity and a negative
influence on youth. In contrast, supporters are frustrated with the narrow-mindedness
and moral policing that restricts artistic expression and female autonomy. Fear underlies
the concerns of those worried about the potential impact on societal values and young
fans.
3.What concepts or cultural themes seem to emerge? How does your controversy
speak to a large issue?
Feminism and sexuality: This controversy has sparked a broader discussion about
women's right to express their sexuality on their own terms. Is the striptease show an
expression of liberation of the female body? Or is it an expression of physical control
and desire for women in a patriarchal society. This event challenged traditional notions
of purity and patriarchal control over women's bodies and demonstrated a shift towards
recognizing women as autonomous beings with autonomy over their own sexuality.
