Core Viewpoint - The article outlines the evolution of popular culture in China over the past 50 years, highlighting three distinct eras and two significant turning points, ultimately suggesting that a new form of popular culture is emerging that is more autonomous and rooted in grassroots movements [2][4][10]. Group 1: Evolution of Popular Culture - Popular culture in China has transitioned through three main eras: the traditional media-dominated era of the 1980s, the commercialized media era of the 1990s, and the internet-driven self-media era of the 21st century [4][6][8]. - The 1980s saw a reliance on traditional media such as newspapers and radio, with limited commercialization and a focus on educational and enlightening content [6][7]. - The 1990s marked the rise of television as the dominant medium, leading to the commercialization of popular culture, where the new middle class began to control cultural production, often suppressing genuine cultural demands from the broader public [7][12]. Group 2: Cultural Shifts and Resistance - The early 2000s witnessed a decline in traditional media's influence, with the rise of self-media and short video platforms allowing the public to actively participate in cultural production, thus challenging the previous cultural monopolies [8][10][23]. - The article argues that the cultural identity of the masses has evolved significantly, moving from passive consumers to active participants in cultural expression, driven by technological advancements and shifts in political and economic landscapes [9][20][22]. - Despite the commercialization of popular culture, there has always been an undercurrent of resistance from the masses against the middle-class cultural hegemony, which has shaped the cultural landscape [15][19]. Group 3: New Trends in Popular Culture - The emergence of a new popular culture is characterized by a blend of local and global influences, showcasing a newfound cultural confidence and a willingness to creatively adapt foreign cultural elements [28][32]. - Recent years have seen a rise in grassroots cultural expressions, with independent creators gaining recognition and challenging the established cultural production systems dominated by capital and elite interests [24][25][26]. - The article emphasizes that the new popular culture is not without its flaws, but it represents a significant shift towards a more vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that reflects the genuine experiences and aspirations of the masses [27][38].