Chinese Online Personality's Death Sparks Outcry Against 'Drink-Pushing Culture'

Social media platform Weibo was awash with reactions and condolences for Yang Lao Er, who had become a beloved figure among locals. Netizens also criticized the "drink-pushing culture," a phenomenon in which tourists encourage performers like Yang Lao Er to consume alcohol, often in large quantities, during their shows. Yang Lao Er's brother, Yang Hailong, told Red Star News that being plied with alcohol was a common occurrence at these shows. "Usually, they are executed or their hair is pulled by donkeys as part of the performance," he said.

Performances of this kind take place regularly in China. Tourists flock to watch these "red shows," which depict traditional myths and legends. At the center of these shows are performers like Yang Lao Er, who portray "demons" or "monsters," evoking fear and awe among the audience. The performers often endure physical pain or public humiliation as part of the show, such as being beaten, whipped, or having their hair pulled by donkeys.

Yang Lao Er's brother revealed that the night of his death, Yang Lao Er performed two shows. His brother recounted that the second show was particularly exhausting, with the performer being pressured to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Yang Lao Er passed away shortly after. Yang's death has brought attention to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption in the context of these shows, as well as the need to address the problematic "drink-pushing culture."

Social media users shared their disapproval of the "drink-pushing culture" prevalent in these performances. Netizens condemned the practice of urging performers to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, arguing that it puts the performers' lives at risk and subjects them to unnecessary pain and suffering. One user wrote, "It's disgusting how we have this 'drinking table culture,' which harms and even kills people. If you don't push drinks, you won't lose face, so stop pushing drinks on them."

While tourist-based businesses seek to entertain and attract visitors, the toll taken on performers like Yang Lao Er is a reminder of the potential for harm and exploitation. As one user on Weibo noted, "People should control their drinking and not force others to consume alcohol. This 'drink pushing culture' must be eradicated from China."

Yang Lao Er's passing has shone a light on the often-neglected issue of performer safety and the need to address the "drink-pushing culture" in China. It has also sparked a wider conversation about the exploitation of performers in tourist shows and the responsibility of tourists to treat performers with respect and care.