The Brief: Shen Yun memes reference the persistent marketing campaign for the international Chinese dance show.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

What Is Shen Yun?

Shen Yun is a performing arts company founded by members of the Falun Gong religion. Each year since 2006, Shen Yun has put on performances around the world, which consist mainly of dance with elaborate costumes and pageantry. Shen Yun’s mission is to showcase 5,000 years of Chinese culture, which was threatened during the Cultural Revolution. The company is openly opposed to  the Communist Party of China – the country’s ruling political party. Shen Yun shows include criticism of the Chinese government, as well as depictions of the persecution the Falun Gong have faced. The Chinese government has made attempts to derail the show and its popularity.

Many people recognize Shen Yun from its billboards, flyers, posters, mailers, and commercials, but know little about the actual show.

Shen Yun Memes

Shen Yun memes have been popping up recently as a response to the company’s annual media blitz. These memes poke fun of the viral ad campaign, as well as how the actual content of the show is largely unknown. Ultimately, the memes maintain the air of mystery that shrouds the show and its publicity, especially for those who are still confused about what Shen Yun is and why its ads are so prominent.

A choking Sasuke meme:

First images from NASA’s inSight rover on Mars from r/funny