Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
In the province of Zhejiang, China, a woman embraces a lifestyle that many might envy. She begins her day in a rather unconventional way—by returning to bed almost immediately after waking. Her routine consists of lounging all day, scrolling through her phone, snacking, opening packages, and even taking late-night showers. For those who cherish the comfort of sleep, this existence seems like a dream come true.
This individual, known online as @jiawensishi or “rat person,” embodies a growing trend in Chinese culture. The term “rat person” has gained significant traction, following on the heels of the “lying flat” movement that emerged a few years back. This earlier trend, characterized by young adults opting to do little beyond existing in a state of mild discontent, drew interest from thinkers like novelist Liao Zenghu, who suggested it was a subtle rebellion against the pressures of a materialistic society. Now, the “rat person” phenomenon has evolved into what can be described as a modern-day reboot of that sentiment.
Identifying as a rat person often correlates with a lack of ambition or desire to pursue conventional career goals. Instead, these individuals favor a lifestyle centered around indulgence—eating, sleeping, and passive online engagement. Interestingly, relocating to the UK appears to be a trend that exacerbates this inclination, as noted by the South China Morning Post. Many Chinese students studying there often find themselves retreating indoors to escape the dreary weather and high living expenses, opting for solitude over social interactions in an effort to conserve energy.
Despite the inherent anti-hustle philosophy of the rat person movement, capitalism has a way of capitalizing on trends. A popular cartoon figure named Big Rat has become an unofficial emblem of this lifestyle, and merchandise featuring this character has reportedly generated impressive sales, amounting to over one million yuan (approximately US$140,000). Influencers are also finding ways to monetize this lifestyle; for example, Wang Yutong has leveraged the rat person identity to market a skincare line, illustrating the paradox of a movement that aims to step back from societal pressures yet finds itself intertwined with consumer culture.
As the fusion of this movement and marketability continues, one can only speculate if something like a “RatCoin” cryptocurrency could emerge from this blend of lifestyle and capitalism. While individuals may wish to stay in bed and avoid the grind, the relentless nature of capitalism shows no signs of slowing down.
Source
www.theguardian.com