Recently, the youth artistic microfilm “800 Dongchuan Road” released by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in celebration of its 130th anniversary, was expected to become a gift that would dominate social media during the school’s anniversary celebration. However, it became embroiled in controversy due to the provocative slogan “The esports genius tapped the code, the spotlight shifted to ‘Tiger Moms,'” igniting a storm of public opinion and causing the news to trend online. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has since deleted the related video.
According to a report by “Fast Technology,” the film portrayed significant gender differentiation in professional growth narratives: the male character was depicted as an esports “genius” turned advanced programmer on a path to career success, highlighting professional competence and accomplishments in the workplace. On the other hand, the female-related scenes were labeled as “becoming Tiger Moms” in the voiceover, reducing women’s value to a singular connection with childbirth and family identity.
This controversial slogan swiftly sparked heated discussions once exposed. Students (actors) featured in the film publicly stated that they were unaware that their footage would be associated with such inappropriate messaging, emphasizing that their content only captured exciting moments of campus clubs.
One of the actors expressed, “As an actor, I am very angry. I had no idea that this slogan was even considered appropriate. That’s the biggest issue here, because what they paired with me is something I completely disagree with. It’s absurd.”
Following the escalating situation, staff from Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s news center responded by stating that they would investigate the matter further. Currently, the university has urgently removed the controversial microfilm from all online platforms.
“Lychee News” contacted Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s news center, where a staff member initially mentioned that they would look into the situation. However, subsequent calls went unanswered.
In an article by media commentator and influencer Qiao Zhifeng, the controversy surrounding this slogan is described as a “ceiling” within the realm of double standards. While the university promptly took down the video to stop the damage, they have yet to issue a direct response or apology. This evasive handling of the situation has only fueled the public discourse. While being a “Tiger Mom” is a role worthy of respect, involving nurturing children and managing a household are also great sacrifices. No one should diminish this responsibility and love. However, the crux of the issue lies in avoiding the labeling of a woman’s entire life with one single tag, especially in a campus promotional video that rigidly reinforces gender biases.
The article noted that from planning to shooting, from editing to release, at every stage, this outrageous slogan slipped through without being questioned. This raises doubts as to whether the marketing team lacks basic moral judgment or simply disregards the audience’s sentiments.
“Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s mishap serves as a wake-up call for all universities: before initiating promotional campaigns, it might be worthwhile to consult students’ opinions and thoroughly review the moral values of the slogans,” Qiao Zhifeng remarked.