Before meeting Gang, I had grown accustomed to a certain way of life. After a day's work, I would board the subway, avoiding any eye contact with strangers. Once seated, I would immerse myself in my phone, browsing through various video channels, waiting for the subway to reach my destination. Upon exiting the subway, I would brush past those around me, paying little attention to their actions, thoughts, or engaging in conversation with them.
It was only when I had the opportunity to interview Gang that I began to realize the potential for a different kind of life.
As an introverted individual, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe when Gang shared his stories, spanning from his childhood to adulthood. If I were to title his story, it would be "The Journey of a Social Butterfly's Transformation."
During my college days, while many of my peers would doze off or bury themselves in their phones during class, I found immense pleasure in being attentive. My intention was to seize the opportunity to raise my hand and answer the teacher's questions. Through my responses, I not only provided the correct answers but also incorporated humor, amusing the teacher and eliciting laughter from the entire class. It was highly fulfilling for me, and I would even make a note of the number of times I managed to bring joy to everyone in that particular class.
One memorable experience took place during a Foreign Language and Literature course, where the teacher instructed us to introduce ourselves. While most students opted for the mundane and conventional approach, sharing details like their names, hometowns, and personal preferences, I took a different route. I meticulously prepared my introduction, crafting it to resemble a talk show script. For instance, I would introduce myself as Feng Gang, humorously highlighting the mere one-word difference between his name and mine. I expressed my aspiration to become someone like Feng Gang in the field of comedy. This particular class left a lasting impression on both the teacher and my fellow classmates.
After work, I took a bold step and resigned from my position at a prominent company without having secured another job. Instead, I delved into the realm of self-media. Although I had been engaged in self-media as a side venture, it had never been my main focus. However, faced with certain aspects of my job that I found unfavorable, I contemplated whether I should resign and dedicate myself fully to self-media. I devoted approximately a year to ascertain if it could remain merely a hobby or truly become a career capable of sustaining me.
During this period, I pondered the potential risks and costs associated with resigning in another year or two. At that point, my salary would not only belong to me but also support my family, including my wife and parents. Consequently, at the beginning of 2021, just a week after achieving regular operator status at Tencent Video, I made the decision to resign without securing another job and embarked on my journey in the field of self-media.
Gang's videos have often led people to label him as a "social butterfly," exemplified by his themed videos such as "Ele.mei" (a combination of "Ele.me" and "Meituan"):
One day, while at Blue Harbor in Chaoyang Park, I noticed two groups of food delivery personnel. Half of them were dressed in yellow, while the others wore blue. They were seated, engrossed in their mobile phones, perhaps taking a break after their morning meeting. I frequently encountered these delivery personnel on the streets and wondered if I could strike up a conversation with them, share a joke, and foster new friendships.
Motivated by this idea, I approached one of the delivery staff and said, "Hey, let me introduce you to a friend." I then proceeded to bring another delivery guy, dressed in different-colored attire, into the conversation. My mind raced, swiftly concocting another joke. I remarked, "I have a business idea called Ele.mei, combining the names of both companies. Would you be interested in joining?" To my delight, they agreed.
Subsequently, I visited the Meituan headquarters in Beijing. Donning my half-yellow and half-blue shirt, I expressed my intention to start a company called Ele.mei and sought to learn from the experiences of their esteemed food delivery company. Upon conveying this to the receptionist, he promptly contacted the individual responsible for receiving visitors. Soon enough, the person in charge arrived and inquired, "What kind of food delivery company do you aim to establish?"
With enthusiasm, I responded, "Presently, the efficiency of food delivery leaves room for improvement. My idea involves implementing drone delivery systems. Picture this: various types of drones stationed atop apartment building rooftops in each community, with smaller drones delivering packages from these rooftops directly to specific households through windows."
Impressed by the concept, the person in charge remarked, "Your idea is quite innovative. However, what significance does your attire hold? It doesn't seem particularly related to Meituan or our friend, Ele.me."
Gang stated that his videos, whether they consist of chat-up comedy or performance art, share a common underlying theme: "dislocation and absurdity."
For instance, he offered the example of placing sofas on city streets, which challenges the conventional notion that sofas belong solely in living rooms. By doing so, the entire city becomes an extension of one's living room, with passersby serving as guests. Furthermore, Gang likened the city's big screens to personal televisions, broadcasting preferred programs. In this scenario, one can metaphorically control the city's traffic, pedestrian flow, and large screens using a remote control.
Another illustration he provided involved the act of holding a funeral for oneself while still alive. This unconventional practice embodies a form of absurdity and dislocation, as it defies the societal inclination to avoid death and funerals.
Similarly, steak, typically associated with upscale dining that often requires formal attire, can be transformed into an absurd and dislocated experience. Gang suggested that by wearing slippers at a subway entrance, brandishing a kitchen knife, and cutting and sharing the steak with passersby, one challenges the expected norms and conventions of fine dining.
Regarding the concept of dislocation, Gang explained that it refers to the act of breaking societal agreements and commonly accepted rules, often referred to as "osmotic rules." He emphasized the presence of established rules governing public order and personal conduct, which individuals are constantly informed of throughout their lives. From childhood education to guidance from parents, leaders, and various organizations, people are constantly instructed on what is deemed beneficial or appropriate.
However, Gang acknowledged that adhering to these rules does not always guarantee the desired outcomes. Consequently, he sometimes feels inclined to defy these norms, as long as no harm is caused to others and no laws are broken. He believes that breaking these rules can be a positive action, provided it is done with good intentions and without causing harm.
Gang's journey has not always been smooth. In the realm of chat-up comedy, he faces a high rejection rate, with only a small percentage of individuals willing to engage. Transitioning to performance art did not alleviate this challenge significantly, as the possibility of rejection remained high, ranging from 90% to 95%.
People often question the purpose and efficacy of Gang's endeavors, doubting whether his brand of humor can truly address their fundamental needs or remove the labels imposed upon them by society. Some may question the significance of his actions, wondering if tearing off a label can truly strip away the societal judgments that have been attached to their souls.
In some instances, Gang films videos of himself delivering flowers. However, the initial reaction of the recipients is often not whether to accept or decline the flowers, but rather why they should accept them. Many express that they have no need for the flowers, even when offered at a low cost. Some assume that Gang is promoting insurance and decline the gesture, while others simply want to maintain their distance, stating that they have already taken out insurance.
Despite his good intentions, Gang has encountered individuals who perceive his actions as bothersome, even without any intention of causing inconvenience. A prevailing sentiment in society is to maintain a distance that avoids disrupting others. Hence, even with genuine goodwill, success is not always guaranteed.
Nevertheless, Gang finds the courage to persist in his endeavors due to several factors. Firstly, he believes that joking has become a habitual part of his personality. Secondly, he asserts that he harbors no ill intentions, seeking neither personal gain nor the exploitation of others. His primary aim is to evoke a sense of introspection in individuals, allowing them to reconnect with their lives in a profound manner. He makes it a point to clarify that he is filming a video, offering to delete it if anyone feels uncomfortable. However, he often encounters situations where individuals request a second take, resulting in a more rehearsed and less spontaneous response. Gang finds that the initial, unscripted reactions tend to yield the best outcome.
Gang's steadfastness is rooted in his assumption that the majority of people possess good intentions and can appreciate his jokes without becoming offended. This assumption provides him with the confidence to continue his endeavors, even in the face of skepticism and rejection.
What would you say and do if you ran into another Xiaogang on the street?
I will look forward to teasing him! Presently, I often face scolding and criticism for my teasing, but I genuinely enjoy it. More precisely, I relish the dramatic conflict and the effects that offense brings. It has always been my desire to experience a world where everyone behaves like NPCs, playing tricks on me. So, when I encounter someone like Xiaogang, I will undoubtedly employ all my wit to offend him, as making him feel offended is the ultimate form of respect. This way, he will have even greater courage to offend me. My only concern is that the memes I use may not be as humorous as his, but apart from that, I have no other worries.
Upon hearing Gang's perspective, I began to question the necessity of adhering to certain established rules. For instance, why must strangers maintain distance from one another? Why can't we engage in conversations with strangers while commuting? Why can't strangers extend kindness and warmth to each other?
However, if I wish to challenge these habits and foster change, where should I begin? Xiaogang offers some suggestions:
Firstly, one can engage in acts that are not overly offensive but still create a connection with strangers. For example, sending flowers or lottery tickets can be a gesture to initiate a connection. One can say, "Today, I want to give you a grand gift, but its size is uncertain. So, I'll surprise you! If you're feeling down today, just scratch it off and let go."
Another approach is to genuinely praise others from the depths of one's heart, acknowledging their qualities and expressing heartfelt admiration.
The above suggestions focus on giving, but there is also a receiving aspect. For instance, if I need a hug, can you offer one? If I require a pack of paper, can you lend me one? If I'm uncertain about directions, can you help guide me? Despite taking these steps, rejection still remains a possibility.
Perhaps we can attempt to bridge the seemingly perfect yet isolating gap between strangers by conveying warmth and kindness. Initiating conversations with strangers on the bus or offering a smile to those passing by on the street appear to be favorable choices.
Later, we discussed Xiaogang's aspirations for 2024, and he shared that in the new year, he intends to focus more on activities that he thoroughly enjoys.
Curious, I inquired about the specifics. He explained that what we previously discussed represents the first level of courage, but there exists a higher level: having the bravery and fortitude to embrace being disliked.
Countless words can be distilled into a single concept—courage. I have undertaken ventures that many shy away from and pursuits that many deem unworthy. However, I am gradually freeing myself from the peculiar phenomenon of media creation. To some extent, it involves guessing what people like, paying attention to their feedback, monitoring the video's likes, and tracking the growth of my fanbase.
At this stage, I am gradually distancing myself from these concerns. Negative comments and disputes no longer affect me since I choose not to engage with them. Having the courage to pursue what I genuinely desire is a greater form of bravery. I hope everyone can possess this kind of courage.
Throughout my life, I have firmly believed that courage is among the most precious qualities an individual can possess. Reflecting on ancient warriors who defended their countries during times of war, it becomes evident that their martial skills and leadership abilities would have been meaningless without the courage to take the first step. The same principle applies to our present society, whether it is venturing into entrepreneurship or fearlessly championing what is right. Without the courage to take that initial step, all other exceptional qualities remain unutilized.
UM sincerely wishes everyone to embrace the courage to be disliked, pursue your true passions, and view the world as an expansive playground!
Producer：Isabella Wang
Interviewer：Amy Liu, Junhan Xie
Editor：Isabella Wang
Text：Amy Liu
Formatting：Amy Pan
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