The Masculinity Issue

2018 ISSUE 5

The Masculinity Issue

Do we need to “save the boys” as some insist, or do the little emperors just need to grow up? From ideal boyfriends to wonder dads, we put the modern Chinese male under the microscope. Plus features on food, film, travel, and more

"Building Character" is a story from The Masculinity Issue that shares how small Chinese towns are redeveloping as theme towns.

"Tales of the Tiles" a story from The Masculinity Issue describes the changing dynamics of the mahjong game.

From this issue

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Tales of the Tile

Mahjong enthusiasts in China are trying to change perceptions of the ancient game, long associated with crime and gambling

TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Vigil Aunties

Long the exclusive domain of elderly gossips, neighborhood committees are looking to recruit new blood—but can they offer what millennials need?

STREET TALK

Spirits of the Age

Having a big personality on the internet may get you labeled a “spirit”

CHINESE CHARACTERS

On the Character: 阳

A character to brighten up your day—or night

ANCIENT HISTORY

Wine, Women & Song

An 11th-century dynasty gave the world the modern restaurant—complete with menus, waiters, and the feudal version of Michelin Stars

FOOD

Pot Tuck

Everyone’s favorite communal meal is now an instant convenience for one

SOCIAL CHINESE

Mansplaining with Chinese Characteristics

From cradle to crèche, women are constantly being told what to do

MUSIC

Homecoming Harmonies

The Global Chinese Orchestra brings acclaimed Chinese musicians from across the globe to celebrate their journeys together

LIVING IN CHINA

Pedal Power

Take a seat in the kingdom of the tricycle

TRAVEL

Gown Abroad

As marriage rates decline, a photography market is booming as young couples seek authenticity and conspicuous consumption overseas

BOOKS, MODERN HISTORY

Whistling ‘Dixie’

Historians are still uncovering a doomed American wartime mission to meet Maoist rebels and broker an alliance

SOCIETY

Building Character

“Characteristic towns” are China’s latest rural development strategy, but can every village truly be special?

GALLERY

Of Malls and Museums

From promoting luxury brands to upping the footfall in shopping malls, commercial influences are prompting questions about the future of art in China

TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT

Gaming the System

Alipay’s environmentally conscious “Ant Forest” allows young Chinese to combine mobile payment with fighting pollution

LIFE, TECHNOLOGY

Claw Back

After a 13-year ban, “Crane Game” machines are the latest fad for Chinese shoppers

NEWS

Phony Philanthropy

Crowdfunding has become a helpful but controversial charity channel

FICTION

Lighthouse | Short Story

Author An Wei explores the nature of reality and the self, and whether one has a choice to accept either

FILM

‘Crazy Rich’ in the Details

In spite of problematic representation, it’s the small details in Crazy Rich Asians that will resonate with Chinese diaspora viewers

ANCIENT HISTORY

Single and Scary

Sedition, sexuality, sorcery, and seduction were among many anxieties that the Qing associated with unmarried men

EDUCATION

Daddy Issues

With “wonder dads” becoming the new face of Chinese families, many fear extra pressures on already fragile fathers

LIFE

State of Affairs

Rocketing divorce rates have alarmed the government—is a culture of infidelity to blame?

EDUCATION

Boys Won’t Be Boys

Are educators and pop idols to blame for China’s alleged “masculinity crisis?”

LIFE

What Women Want/Don’t Want

TWOC presents the most desirable types of Chinese man and those opposite ones

TRAVEL

Korea Town

In northeast Yanbian, football, poetry, and patriarchy preserve a unique Chinese-Korean culture

NEWS

Defensive Ruling

Law to safeguard citizens from prosecution has a checkered past

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