Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of grassroots individuals in the internet celebrity scene, contrasting their authenticity and sincerity with the previous trend of superficiality and high production values in content creation [1][2][3] Group 1: Trends in Internet Celebrity Culture - There is a shift from valuing "beauty as justice" to appreciating genuine, unfiltered content, as seen in the rise of ordinary street vendors who have gained fame through authenticity [3][4] - Grassroots individuals are redefining what it means to be an internet celebrity by leveraging their long-standing dedication to their crafts, such as the "Chicken Chop Brother" and "Sugarcane Brother," who have both worked in their respective fields for decades before achieving fame [7][8] Group 2: Case Studies of Successful Grassroots Celebrities - "Sugarcane Brother" transformed his farm into an interactive experience, allowing visitors to "steal" sugarcane, which resonated with urban dwellers seeking stress relief [10][11] - "Chicken Chop Brother" gained significant attention for his commitment to quality and customer service, maintaining low prices and high standards, which led to a surge in local tourism and sales [14][19] - "Tofu Girl" utilized social media to share her life and community stories, creating a "mobile supermarket" that emphasizes community support and genuine interactions, leading to a substantial following [23][29] - "Dough Figurine Uncle" modernized traditional craft by appealing to younger audiences with customized designs, resulting in long queues and high demand for his products [31][35] - "Braised Goose Brother" capitalized on a viral moment to promote local cuisine, significantly boosting sales and community engagement through his unique marketing approach [40][43] Group 3: Emotional Connection and Consumer Behavior - The success of these grassroots figures highlights a growing consumer desire for emotional connections and authentic experiences, contrasting with the previous focus on polished, scripted content [47][48] - These individuals have tapped into the emotional value of their offerings, providing not just products but also a sense of community and trust, which resonates deeply with consumers [50]

Core Perspective - The article highlights the legacy and evolution of the "Mian Ren Lang" craft, emphasizing its cultural significance and the personal journey of the current practitioner, Lang Jiaziyu, as he navigates the challenges of preserving this traditional art form while adapting it to modern contexts [1][11]. Group 1: Historical Background - The "Mian Ren Lang" craft has been passed down for nearly a century, originating from the family of Lang Shaoan, who established the art form with a focus on realistic and intricate designs [1][2]. - Lang Shaoan showcased his work internationally in 1953, marking a significant moment for Chinese folk art [2]. - The craft faced a prolonged decline during Lang Zhichun's tenure, where for at least ten years, there was no market for the art, leading to a reliance on personal income to sustain the craft [2][3]. Group 2: Personal Journey and Challenges - Lang Jiaziyu grew up immersed in the world of Mian Ren, learning through observation rather than formal training, which fostered a natural affinity for the craft [3][4]. - Despite his passion, Lang Jiaziyu's father initially discouraged him from pursuing a career in Mian Ren due to financial concerns, reflecting a common parental desire for stability [4][5]. - Lang Jiaziyu's determination to prove the value of traditional crafts was fueled by experiences in school, where he faced dismissive attitudes towards his skills [5][6]. Group 3: Artistic Evolution and Innovation - Lang Jiaziyu transitioned from a traditional approach to a more innovative and creative model, aiming to produce unique works rather than repetitive pieces [7][8]. - His creative process is described as intense and focused, likening it to "dancing on the edge of a cliff," where precision is crucial [8]. - He draws inspiration from his grandfather's work while striving to elevate his own artistic expression, recognizing the need for continuous improvement [8][9]. Group 4: Social Relevance and Modernization - Lang Jiaziyu's recent projects focus on capturing the essence of ordinary laborers, aiming to make the art form relevant to contemporary society [9][10]. - He reflects on the importance of representing everyday people in his work, aligning with a broader cultural narrative that values the contributions of all individuals [10]. - Despite achieving personal success, he acknowledges systemic challenges within the non-heritage market, emphasizing the need for demand creation to ensure the craft's survival [11][12]. Group 5: Future Aspirations - Lang Jiaziyu aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for artisans, advocating for a broader societal recognition of traditional crafts [12]. - He envisions a future where the craft can thrive independently of familial lineage, ensuring its continuity for future generations [12].

Core Viewpoint - The event "Second American Chinese Youth Bashu Cultural Experience Tour" in Sichuan provides over 200 American Chinese youth with immersive experiences in various intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts, enhancing their understanding of Chinese culture through hands-on activities [1][3]. Group 1: Cultural Experience - American Chinese youth engaged in hands-on activities such as sugar painting, dough figurines, paper cutting, and lacquer art, showcasing their enthusiasm and creativity [2][3]. - Participants expressed excitement and challenges while creating traditional crafts, highlighting the uniqueness of the experience compared to what they encounter in their local communities [2][3]. - The event aims to deepen cultural understanding through interactive experiences, moving beyond textbook knowledge to real-life applications [3]. Group 2: Participant Feedback - Participants like Kevin Tan from California and Bo Wen Gao from Chicago shared their positive experiences, emphasizing the joy and sense of accomplishment from creating traditional crafts [2][3]. - Feedback from educators, such as Li Miao Zheng from North Carolina, indicates that hands-on experiences significantly enhance students' understanding of Chinese culture compared to traditional classroom learning [3]. Group 3: Event Overview - The "Second American Chinese Youth Bashu Cultural Experience Tour" lasts for 10 days, allowing participants to explore various locations in Sichuan and engage in cultural activities [3].