Reinvention of princesses

It all began with a video featuring a professor at a Chinese university. Standing before a classroom filled with eager students, she humorously said, "Princesses, please take your seats." This video swiftly went viral on social media, igniting a fresh wave of academic discourse known as "princess literature".

A quick search on social platforms revealed that this term isn't limited to teachers and students. Even the catering industry and the labor force have adopted it, with cafeterias proudly displaying slogans like "Princesses, please savor your meal", and workers cheerfully proclaiming, "Princesses, let's get to work".

For Gen Zers, nurtured on "princess" stories and films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Frozen, the term "princess" carries profound significance. Traditionally, a princess was seen as self-indulgent and immature, often characterized by the infamous "princess syndrome". However, many of today's "princesses" are independent, striving for self-worth, and promoting positive values.

The whimsical catchphrase, "Princesses, please xx", deeply resonated with contemporary youth, not only for its humor but also for the emotional value it offered. This phrase serves as a form of self-deprecating jest and as a means of resistance against the internal struggles they face.

Much of recent Chinese internet slang, including terms like tangping, or "lying flat", and foxi, or "Buddha-like", reflects the discouraging attitude of young people who tend to stand idle or remain indifferent when facing challenges. However, "princess literature" introduces an intriguing twist as young individuals choose a positive perspective when confronting various pressures in their lives.