Drink-Pushing Culture" Under Scrutiny After Chinese Online Personality's Death

The tragic death of Chinese online personality "Yang Lao Er," or "Glasses Yang Second Brother," has brought attention to the dangerous "drink-pushing culture" prevalent in China's entertainment industry. The 56-year-old performer, known for his appearances at Gansu's Shandan County, reportedly died after being continuously pressured by tourists to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during his performances.
Yang Lao Er's death sparked controversy when rumors emerged that he had died after being forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol during his shows, which often depict traditional myths and legends. In these shows, performers take on the roles of "demons" or "monsters" and endure pain and public humiliation as part of the performance. Yang Lao Er's brother, Yang Hailong, told Red Star News that being plied with alcohol was a common occurrence at these shows.
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.
"劝酒那些人真的不会良心不安吗？？毕竟是间接导致一个人活生生喝没了这些劝酒的人真的恶心" (Translation: "Those who force people to drink, do they have no conscience? They indirectly caused someone to drink to death. These people are disgusting.") tweeted one Weibo user. Another user added: "赶紧取消吧还是劝酒的都应该有法律责任" (Translation: "This is not a performing custom, it's vulgar. Either abolish it or make those who push drinks legally responsible.").
Performances of this kind take place regularly in China, attracting tourists who flock to watch these "red shows" and witness the performers' feats of endurance, including being beaten or whipped, as part of the show. However, the toll taken on performers like Yang Lao Er is a reminder of the potential for harm and exploitation.
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."
As one Weibo user noted, "人应该自己控制喝酒，不要强迫别人喝酒。这种推酒文化必须从中国消灭" (Translation: "People should control their drinking and not force others to consume alcohol. This 'drink-pushing culture' must be eradicated from China."). The question now is whether the tourism industry, which has made "red shows" and their performers a lucrative attraction, will take heed of the calls for change or continue to exploit these vulnerable individuals for the sake of entertainment.
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. The tragedy of Yang Lao Er's death serves as a stark reminder that the line between entertainment and exploitation can be blurred, and it is time for change.
In conclusion, the death of Yang Lao Er has brought attention to a dangerous and exploitative culture within China's entertainment industry. The "drink-pushing culture" that has become a norm in tourist-based performances puts the lives and safety of performers like Yang Lao Er at risk. It is time for the tourism industry, as well as tourists themselves, to recognize the need for change and ensure that performers are treated with respect and care. Only then can we begin to eradicate the "drink-pushing culture" from China and protect vulnerable performers like Yang Lao Er from further harm.