frying chicken for the people ::
Monday, March 16th, 2009:: I came across this hysterical image while perusing Douban’s “Distinguishing Features of China” photo competition / exhibition. It’s a simple fried chicken and popcorn stand, but the phrasings on the signs are very cleverly punning on Chinese revolutionary slogans from a time passed.
The copy across the top of the red sign reads “炸鸡中的战斗机,” which means something to the effect of “a fighter pilot in the battle of frying chicken.” The copy down the left side of the red sign reads “拳打麦当劳,” meaning “punching / beating McDonald’s with our bare hands.” The copy down the right side of the red sign reads “脚踢肯德基,” meaning “kicking down / stomping on Kentucky Fried Chicken.” McDonald’s and KFC have replaced foreign imperialist countries (that will go unnamed here) in these rally chants. The centerpiece copy reads “为人民炸鸡柳,” meaning “frying chicken for the people,” a play on the timeless good-comrade slogan “为人民服务,” meaning “serve the people.” The white sign on the top right reads “爆: 就一个字,” referring to the popcorn offering, meaning “just one word: POP!” I can’t see the first couple lines on the other white sign, but the last three characters read “更精彩,” meaning “even more wonderful / great.” Anyone?
[UPDATE: 56minus1 reader Vance has pointed out that the small white sign on the left (top) reads "里面的世界更精彩," meaning "the world inside here is more wonderful / amazing." I love it.]
I read from some online commentary that this stand is near Beijing Normal University’s post office. Is it still there? // AjS
OK, I’ll admit, at first I was a bit suspicious that the above photo was Photoshop’d, so, being the good netizen I try to be, I investigated further. Without much effort at all, I found this video short on Youku of the same stand…it’s real! [warning: terrible background music from Sum 41 or some other equally awful pop-punk band from San Diego / the late 90s]
