A celebrity chef faces backlash and apologizes for making a video on how to cook egg fried rice, as nationalists accuse him of insulting a national hero.
Egg fried rice, a beloved dish in China and an iconic symbol of Chinese cuisine worldwide, has become a highly sensitive subject for China’s online nationalists in recent years. The controversy centers around the dish’s association with the death of Mao Zedong’s eldest son, Mao Anying, during the Korean War. Even a video by a famous chef on how to make egg fried rice has sparked outrage, leading to a public apology and renewed debate about the official narrative surrounding Mao Anying’s death.
The Rumor and the Official Narrative:
The disputed account suggests that Mao Anying, disobeying orders to take shelter during an American air strike, cooked egg fried rice, which gave away his position and led to his death. Chinese authorities have repeatedly refuted this version as a rumor. The Chinese government, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has cracked down on voices that criticize national heroes or question the official narrative about them. A law was passed in 2018 to ban the slander of national “heroes and martyrs.”
The Egg Fried Rice Story:
Despite official denials, the disputed egg fried rice story has persisted on the Chinese internet. Some corners of the online community celebrate November 25 as the “Egg Fried Rice Festival” or “Chinese Thanksgiving,” linking it to the belief that Mao Anying might have inherited power from his father and turned China into a hereditary dictatorship like North Korea. The Chinese Academy of History, an official think tank launched by Xi Jinping, has labeled the egg fried rice story as “the most vicious rumor,” discrediting it as a distortion of Mao Anying’s heroic sacrifice.
The Chef’s Apology:
Celebrity chef Wang Gang, known for his online presence and millions of followers, posted a video on how to make egg fried rice on November 27, triggering nationalist outrage. Wang was accused of mocking Mao Anying’s death by mentioning the dish around the anniversary. In response to the backlash, Wang issued a public apology, stating that he would never make egg fried rice again. He explained that his team had posted the video without his knowledge, and he took responsibility for the mistake.
The Debate and Support:
While Wang faced criticism and calls for punishment, some defended him, highlighting that he had posted egg fried rice videos throughout the year, not just during sensitive periods. Supporters argued that society should apologize to Wang instead and questioned the need for a ban on egg fried rice during certain months. Prominent nationalist voice Hu Xijin called for tolerance and understanding, suggesting that unintentional mentions of “relevant elements” should not become hot topics and further strengthen the impact of the rumor.
Conclusion:
The egg fried rice controversy in China highlights the complex interplay between nationalism, historical narratives, and culinary symbolism. The sensitivity surrounding Mao Anying’s death and the official narrative has led to a heightened reaction to any mention of egg fried rice during specific periods. While the nationalist outrage inadvertently promotes the very rumor the government seeks to quash, it also serves as a reminder of the power of food as a cultural symbol and the potential for culinary controversies to ignite passionate debates. As the debate continues, finding a balance between protecting national heroes and allowing for open dialogue remains a challenge for Chinese society.
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