As is indicated in the above picture, he emerging term Shanzhai culture, or copycat culture, is gaining popularity in China. Once used to describe the copying of electronic products, the catchphrase has now been applied to the cloning of everything that is popular, ranging from daily necessities to entertainments, even celebrities. Nowadays the phenomenon has stirred a heated debate in China.
Some people, especially youngsters, voice their support for Shanzhai culture, believing it adds diversification to orthodox culture and brings fun to our lives. At the same time, they point out that it breaks conventional boundary and challenges authority. Thus, the trend should be encouraged as long as it doesn't violate laws and regulations. In contrast, others argue
that a campaign be launched to combat the rampant activities, which will probably lead to certain consequences. For one thing, the copying of brand products is a kind of piracy, running counter to Intellectual Property Rights; for another, under the disguise of grass-roots wisdom, Shanzhai culture proves to be an action lacking creativity and therefore will hamper our innovation in the long run.
Personally, I side with the latter party. In spite of its current prosperity, I am convinced that under no circumstances is Shanzhai culture going to replace what it imitates.
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