Yaogun Yinyue: rethinking mainland Chinese rock ‘n’ roll

• DOI: 10.1017/s0261143001001271
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:39:16Z
• Authors: HAO HUANG
• Keywords: Rock music; Resentment

International discourse on Yaogun Yinyue (mainland Chinese rock music) has been coloured by the early identification of ‘n’ roll with aborted student democracy movement late 1980s. This led to a simplistic valourisation Western representations rebellion global mass media, characterised lack awareness changing social circumstances within People's Republic China over past decade. Originally, did indeed share generational root radicals who expressed frustration severely limited life choices in Communist Party (CCP) controlled state. However, response periodic political crackdowns during post-Tiananmen massacre era, most current mainland musicians have consciously avoided rhetoric which might lead unhealthy repercussions for their careers. ‘Empathetic’ critics may be disillusioned learn that recently many not only reject popular reifications but also express vehemently anti-foreign sentiments (Barme 1996, p. 202). Historical Sino-Western antagonisms combined individual resentments foreign record companies' exploitative practices create genuine suspicion about West as cultural and economic hegemon. article offers historical analysis an attempt reframe meanings product.