Exploring intersectionality in digital anti-fandom of the “women-centered” China’s tv series ruyi's royal love in the palace

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing body of research on women representations in China’s media products. However, there is a dearth of studies about women representations in digital anti-fans. This gap leads to a limited understanding of the audience’s participation in discussing women-centered media content and gender issues in China’s society. Within this context, this study investigates China’s digital TV fandom, focusing on the anti-fans’ discourse of a women-centered TV series Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace. The research questions are: What are power dynamics in the anti-fans discourse? To what extent does the anti-fan discourse reflect women empowerment? We analyzed 5 roasting videos from anti-fans and related posts and comments as our data. Using intersectionality and Critical Discourse Analysis as the theoretical framework, the data is analyzed thematically. The analysis unveils that multiple oppression is reflected in the anti-fans’ discourse, which shows resistance against hegemony and changes in power relations. This anti-fans discourse is an alternative form of women’s empowerment of discussing multiple inequalities in China’s society under a politically sensitive online environment. This research uncovers the intersection of gender, class, and power dynamics within anti-fandom spaces as a critical ideological battleground where female marginalization is actively contested. By highlighting the anti-fan’s criticism of women representations in China's media content, this study significantly contributes to both fan studies and the broader discourse on women empowerment. It underscores the transformative potential of anti-fandom in challenging entrenched social norms and promoting gender equity in digital media.