Cultural Differences in Fan Behavior: A Case Study of the "227 Incident"
Abstract
With increasing globalization and the advancement of information technologies, cultural phenomena are no longer confined within national borders. One such phenomenon is fan culture, particularly prominent in China and the West, yet manifesting with significant differences. Among them, the “227 incident” has aroused wide attention from all circles of Chinese and Western society. Chinese people generally believe that Xiao Zhan, as a public figure, did not play a positive role in guiding fans in this incident, which resulted in the public anger of the masses and was criticized by the society. On the contrary, there is no such phenomenon in the West that stars guide their fans and are responsible for their fans. The analysis results found that this phenomenon is influenced by multiple factors. This paper examines the "227 Incident," a major fan-related controversy in China, to highlight the contrasting expectations and social dynamics surrounding celebrity behavior and fan responsibilities in both cultures. Using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions and theories of interpersonal relationships, this study explores how collectivism and individualism shape public expectations and responses to celebrity-related incidents.
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