Developing Stereotype “The Fighting People” of Russians (Discource and Content-Analisis of China Media and On-line “Weibo” Networks

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Abstract

The theory of stereotypes, particularly national or ethnic stereotypes, has garnered significant attention from sociologists, political scientists, and scholars of international relations due to its theoretical significance and political implications. Stemming from Walter Lippmann’s notion of stereotypes as simplified mental pictures reflecting reality, this paper delves into the formation and evolution of stereotypes, particularly focusing on the Chinese perception of Russians as a “Fighting People” Examining the emergence of the term “Fighting People” in Chinese discourse, the paper traces its origin from online fandom of a Japanese anime series to its widespread adoption in official and unofficial Chinese media. Utilizing discourse, content, and sentiment analysis of online platforms such as Weibo, the study explores the propagation of this stereotype and its cultural connotations.

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About the authors

Ranran Xue

Zhejiang University

Author for correspondence.
Email: ranyu06@163.com

PhD

China, Hangzhou

Alexander Lukin

MGIMO University; Zhejiang University

Email: a.lukin@inno.mgimo.ru

Dr. Sci. (Hist.), Director of the Center of China, East Asia and Shanghai Cooperation Organization; Visiting Professor, School of Public Affairs

Russian Federation, Moscow; Hangzhou, China

Alexandra Bocharova

HSE University

Email: apbocharova@hse.ru

Research Fellow

Russian Federation, Moscow

References

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig. 1. Baidu search index of the Internet term “fighting people” in 2011–2023. Source: calculated based on the Baidu information resource (百度, https://www.baidu.com).

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3. Fig. 2. Distribution of Weibo user publications about Russia in 2018–2024.

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