This research presents a comprehensive case study of Han nationalism on Sina Weibo, focusing on its antagonistic stance towards Muslim minorities and its critique of current official ethnic policies of PRC. Mainly adopting Melucci’s (1996) framework of collective identity process, Billig's (1995) concept of Banal nationalism, and Özkırımlı's (2000) conceptualization of national identity, this study examines the evolution of national identity and definitions of the nation within the Han nationalist movement. Meanwhile, various approaches and academic findings about social movements occurring on social media are employed to explore the influence brought by the ecology and environment on Sina Weibo that shapes the movement, while also helping reveal the complex and power struggle among the movement, Sina Weibo platform, technology, and Chinese government. The scholars engaged include Anastasia Kavada, Emiliano Treré, Zizi Papacharissi, etc… Employing a qualitative research approach, this study integrates textual analysis to scrutinise data collected from Sina Weibo. The findings reveal that the participants of this movement have strategically adopted official nationalist discourses to construct their narratives and ideas. This adaptation appears to be a deliberate effort to avoid intervention and prosecution from both the platform and government which endanger the movement sustenance. This research not only contributes to the deep exploration of nationalism in the era of digital media, but also address the issue in a non-Western background, helping re-examine and de-westernize the current academic findings on social media, communication, technology, as well as social movements.

Authors:
Yuchao Liu, University of Westminster, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Yuchao Liu is currently a PhD student in his post-examination position. His general interests focus on social media and social movements in contemporary Chinese society. Currently he is working on a project studying Han nationalism on Sina Weibo.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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