Chinese university graduates take funny class-day photos to reflect self-loathing
Uncertain future sees graduating students indulge in self-mockery using internet memes during end of studies photoshoots
University students in China are getting creative with their graduation photoshoots by referencing internet memes and pop culture to express their free-spirited attitude to life.
The hashtag “do not be so serious in graduation photos” has trended online as graduation time approaches. It attracted 8 million views on a social media platform.
Some add humour to their photos, copying famous scenes from hit Chinese television dramas of their childhood, such as Empresses in the Palace and My Own Swordsman.
Others copy viral photos and internet memes, such as the famous fist pump photo of US President Donald Trump after he was the subject of an assassination attempt last year.
Some mock their unsatisfactory academic performance by taking photos of themselves throwing their diplomas into a bin.
The photos have been well received, with many people saying they display a “calm madness”. Others said the photos matched their bittersweet relationship with school.
One online observer said that they “showed a trend among young people to deconstruct everything with humour”.