Fatshimetrie investigates the events that took place in Shanghai during the celebration of Halloween in 2023, which took an unexpected and controversial turn. Groups of costumed revelers were arrested by Chinese police, who deemed their costumes politically subversive. This response by the authorities reveals a tension between festive freedom of expression and political control in China.
The festive atmosphere before Halloween in Shanghai was abruptly interrupted by the intervention of the police, who asked participants to modify or remove their costumes deemed inappropriate. Scenes of residents being handcuffed and taken away by the police circulated on Chinese social media, sparking debates about the limits of freedom of expression and political repression.
The anxiety of the Chinese authorities in the run-up to October 31 appears to stem from the controversial episode the previous year, when some costumes clearly displayed subversive political messages. This challenge to the power in place through festive costumes caught the authorities off guard and triggered a repressive reaction.
Shanghai, often considered a showcase of China’s openness to the world, is particularly monitored by the central government to avoid any sign of protest. Political demonstrations disguised as Halloween festivities have highlighted the fragility of the balance between entertainment and political dissent in a tightly controlled society.
The Chinese authorities’ fears could be linked to the fear of a domino effect, where festive gatherings could quickly turn into political mobilizations. The line between playful celebrations and social demands is blurred in China, and the Halloween events in Shanghai seem to crystallize this latent tension.
It is essential to emphasize that these incidents point to Chinese nationalism in the face of Western influence, symbolized by the Halloween festival. The authorities seek to tightly control the festive celebrations to avoid any challenge to the power in place and to maintain an image of stability and control.
In conclusion, the 2023 Shanghai subversive Halloween costume affair highlights the complex issues of freedom of expression, political control, and cultural interactions in China. The controversy raises fundamental questions about tolerance and repression in a changing society, where the lines between celebration and protest remain blurred and potentially explosive.