Lotus Girl

The only news that can distract furious Chinese protesters from their violent anti-Japanese demonstration is the unconfirmed rumor of the death of Lotus Girl (芙蓉姐姐), an internet celebrity who shot to fame with her bold remarks and strange dance in 2005. The rumor says she committed suicide at home, which chimes with her yesterday's world-weary posting on Weibo, Chinese Twitter. Later her agent responded on Weibo, saying "farewell" to her, which seems to reaffirm her death.

The Lotus Girl became famous in summer 2005 (ironically when the last major anti-Japanese demonstration took place in China). She rented an apt near Tsinghua University, and was applying for graduate schools in Beijing. During her leisure time, she took photos around campus with her chubby body twisted in awkward S-shapes. Later she posted her photos on internet with narcissistic descriptions, which was in sharp contrast to traditional values such as modesty, gentleness and obedience. She was rebellious, boastful, and never hesitant to show off - even though her dancing wasn't even average, she seemed to be very proud of it. People were amused at the photos, and this maverick was soon known as "Lotus Girl", as she compared herself to lotus in one of her blogs. Lotus is an emblem for purity and loftiness in Chinese traditional culture, and people gave her this nickname as a sarcasm for her "unlotus" behaviors.

She seemed to become popular overnight in an unprecedented way, demonstrating how powerful internet could be in creating stars. She was invited to many TV/internet shows, talking about her lives and interests; and posted more S-shape photos with better clothes and makeups. Her photos have hardly any artistic values, but always went viral as people re-posted them just to make fun of her. Anyway, these few photos and blogs changed her life: she became an internet celebrity; she didn't need to go to graduate schools, although her name - Lotus Girl became byword for shameless and over-confident in China.

Things changed a little bit in 2010, when a new series of her "S-shape" photos was released. People were surprised to find now she was much thinner, and more beautiful. Another "Lotus Girl Rush" started, and this time people viewed her more as an inspiring example, who did not stop her quest for beauty in spite of all the difficulties. The shock came partly from the great change in her appearance, but also partly from the fact that many people found a girl that they used to despise achieved something that they could not. Later the name of "Lotus Girl" was found in entertainment shows in which she shared her experiences of losing weight. Some companies even offered her roles in stage plays and soap operas. I saw a cosmetic adverts made by her, saying the cosmetics were so magic that even Lotus Girl could look beautiful.

I think that was the last time that I saw her news on internet, and I had no idea what happened in the last two years: it looks like she was approaching her golden days as she started to rid her awkward impression and begin a real career. I used to be one of those who laughed at her, but now I better understand how weak an individual is when confronting internet and all the powerful interest groups, and I wonder if she has ever regretted posting those photos and blogs on internet seven years ago. If the rumor is true, I want to thank her for all the joy that she's brought to us, and wish her rest in peace; if not, I wish her a better life in the future.