A State Of Tension: An Analysis of Chinese Nationalist Discourses Expressed in Chinese Media Representations of Chinese Athletes

Abstract

This thesis examines Chinese nationalisms related to the body that are revealed in Chinese sports media representations of Chinese runners and racewalkers. By nationalisms related to the body, I mean nationalist notions that represent the ideal Chinese body, concerning both physical characteristics and character, that would accomplish Xi Jinping’s key goals for China, which include “national rejuvenation” and “happiness for the Chinese people” (Xi 2017, “opening remarks”). Through analyzing a series of online news articles about specific Chinese runners and racewalkers through the lens of gender and sex, race, nationality and disability, I noticed the presence of various nationalist discourses that promote certain character traits or body types. Yet, it seemed that many of these nationalisms contradicted each other or contradicted themselves. Thus, this thesis investigates these contradictions closely, and poses connections to and interpretations of the relationship between the media and nationalism, the athlete and the body, the athlete and the nation, and the Chinese state and the citizen.