Strawberry generation explained

Strawberry generation (; or)[1] is a Chinese-language neologism used in Taiwan for Taiwanese people born from 1990s onwards who "bruise easily" like strawberries – meaning they cannot withstand social pressure or work hard like their parents' generation; the term refers to people who are perceived as insubordinate,[2] spoiled, selfish, arrogant, and sluggish in work.[3]

The term arises from the perception that members of this generation have grown up being overprotected by their parents and in an environment of stability, in a similar manner to how strawberries are grown in protected greenhouses and command a higher price compared to other fruits. The term gained prominence in the Taiwanese press, as it could be a way to designate a rising demographic or psychographic in terms of consumer behavior.

On the other hand, young people in Taiwan usually express their animosity against the term. In a 2012 survey, the term has become the most hated label among the youth.[4] Some of them criticize the term as an excuse for not improving working conditions, and ignoring intergenerational equity in Taiwan.

Ironic usage

In an ironic reference to the term, a 2008 student-led political movement in Taiwan started the Wild Strawberries Movement. This movement was in response to the visit of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) chairman Chen Yunlin to the island.[5] [6] Police actions on protests aimed at Chen suppressed the display of Taiwan's national flag and the playing of Taiwanese songs. This prompted a group of 400 students in Taipei, Taiwan, to begin a sit-in in front of the Executive Yuan in protest of Taiwan's Parade and Assembly Law .[7]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rachel . The Strawberry Generation . sex.ncu.edu.tw . 1 July 2016 . National Central University Center for the Study of Sexuality.
  2. News: Schott. Ben. Strawberry Generation. Schott's Vocab (column). The New York Times. 30 November 2008.
  3. Web site: Strawberry generation. People's Daily Online. 7 January 2010.
  4. Web site: 林珮萱. 青年最討厭被當成 草莓、啃老、低頭族. www.gvm.com.tw. 2012-07-30. zh .
  5. Web site: Cooper, Marc. Taiwanese students protest demonstration law. The Huffington Post. 7 December 2008. 12 December 2008.
  6. Web site: Wild Strawberries: Taiwanese Student Movement Stirs Anew. International Herald Tribune. 8 December 2008. 12 December 2008.
  7. Web site: Chang, Rich . Wang, Flora . Ko, Shu-ling . amp . DPP proposes parade law amendment. 11 November 2008. Taipei Times. 11 November 2008.