Act Like a Potato: Absurdism in China's Viral Fashion Trends

In the wild world of Chinese social media, one bizarre trend has everyone scratching their heads — Act Like a Potato. Yes, you read that right. People are dressing up like tubers, adopting slack-jawed expressions, and shuffling through malls as if they’ve been hypnotized by starch. But beneath the silliness lies something deeper: a cultural rebellion wrapped in absurdity.

This viral fashion movement, which exploded on platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu in early 2024, isn’t just about looking ridiculous. It’s performance art for the digital age. Originating from a satirical sketch mocking over-serious influencers, the 'Potato Pose' (aka standing motionless with blank eyes and oversized beige clothing) became a meme, then a fashion statement, and now a full-blown subculture.

Why potatoes? In Chinese internet slang, calling someone a tǔ dòu (potato) used to be an insult — dull, unattractive, forgettable. But Gen Z flipped the script. Now, being a potato is a badge of anti-perfectionism. It’s a middle finger to beauty standards, productivity culture, and the pressure to always 'be on.'

Fashion brands caught on fast. Independent labels like Potato Soul and Spud Society launched capsule collections featuring lumpy knits, earth-toned hoodies, and potato-print scarves. Even luxury players took note — a recent runway show by Shanghai-based designer Feng Chen Wang included models dragging actual potatoes on leashes.

The Data Behind the Starch: Social Reach & Engagement

As the table shows, engagement is sky-high, especially on Bilibili, where users appreciate the trend’s surreal humor and DIY costumes. Some videos even blend potato cosplay with philosophical monologues — think Kafka meets TikTok.

But it’s not all fun and games. Critics argue the trend promotes apathy. Yet supporters say it’s a form of emotional release in a high-pressure society. In a 2024 survey by Peking University, 68% of respondents aged 18–25 said participating in absurd online trends helped reduce anxiety.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, maybe try acting like a potato. Stand still. Say nothing. Wear beige. You might just become part of a quiet revolution — one starchy step at a time.