Why Chinese women made Sherlock Holmes a gay icon

Key Concepts

• Danmei (耽美): Chinese fiction depicting romantic relationships between men, primarily written by and for women. Often referred to as the "rotten women phenomenon."
• Slash Fiction: A genre of fan fiction exploring romantic or sexual relationships between characters of the same sex.
• Curly Fu & Peanut: Nicknames given by Chinese fans to actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Dr. Watson) respectively.
• Bride Price: A traditional custom in China where the groom’s family pays the bride’s family a sum of money or gifts.
• Skewed Sex Ratio: The imbalance in the number of males to females in China, a result of the one-child policy and cultural preferences for sons.

The Appeal of Sherlock & Watson: A Chinese Fandom Phenomenon

This discussion centers on the surprising popularity of the BBC’s Sherlock series amongst Chinese tourists visiting London, specifically their interpretation of the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as a romantic one. This phenomenon reveals broader cultural trends and societal pressures within China.

Sherlock’s Unexpected Popularity in China

Traditionally, British tourism in China has been driven by interest in classic literature like Jane Austen and Shakespeare. However, Sherlock, a modern adaptation, has resonated deeply with a younger Chinese audience, even eclipsing political discussions during a visit by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. He recounts that during an official trip to China, the overwhelming request from the public via Weibo (China’s equivalent of X) was not about politics, but about the release date of a new Sherlock season. This demonstrates the show’s immense cultural impact. As stated by the guest, Joel, “For a lot of younger Chinese people, Sherlock and Watson is the ultimate UK love story.”

The "Curly Fu" and "Peanut" Phenomenon

The actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (Watson) have become affectionately known as “Curly Fu” (Curly Homes – referencing Cumberbatch’s hair) and “Peanut” (a play on the pronunciation of Watson) by Chinese fans. Despite both actors having extensive careers beyond Sherlock, they remain widely recognized by these nicknames, highlighting the enduring impact of the show and its characters.

Danmei and the "Rotten Women" Phenomenon

The Chinese fandom has actively “curated” a romantic storyline between Sherlock and Watson, despite the characters’ established relationships within the series. This has fueled the danmei (耽美) phenomenon, a genre of fiction depicting romantic and even sexual relationships between men, largely written by and for straight women. This is comparable to “slash fiction” seen in Western fandoms, such as the popular imagining of a relationship between Captain Kirk and Dr. Spock from Star Trek.

Subverting Traditional Power Dynamics

The appeal of these male-male romantic narratives, as explained by Joel, lies in their subversion of traditional power dynamics between men and women. He notes that “if it's two men that are in a romantic relationship, it subverts the traditional power dynamics between men and women and you know it's established that neither of them can bear children. Love just becomes purely about love.” This resonates with women who experience the complexities and pressures of traditional marriage in China.

The Difficulties of Marriage in China

Interviews conducted in Shandong province revealed the significant difficulties and pressures surrounding marriage in China. Men face challenges finding partners due to a skewed sex ratio, while women experience pressure from societal expectations. The process is often described as “effortful” and lacking in enjoyment. This context explains why the idealized, uncomplicated love between Sherlock and Watson is so appealing. As Joel observed, “nobody ever said that love and marriage were easy, but they should be fun.”

Government Response and Censorship

The Chinese government, concerned about the skewed sex ratio and declining birth rates, has begun to crack down on both high bride prices and danmei fanfiction, as these do not align with their desired social values. However, the speaker acknowledges the inherent difficulty in suppressing imagination and creative expression.

Logical Connections

The discussion progresses logically from observing the unusual tourist behavior (interest in Sherlock and Watson) to exploring the cultural context that explains it (the danmei phenomenon and pressures surrounding marriage). It then delves into the specific details of the fandom (nicknames, curated storylines) and concludes with the government’s response and the enduring power of imagination.

Data and Statistics

• Skewed Sex Ratio: The discussion highlights the imbalance in the male-to-female ratio in China, contributing to difficulties in finding partners.
• Weibo Request: The anecdote about David Cameron’s Weibo account demonstrates the overwhelming popularity of Sherlock in China, surpassing even political interest.

Conclusion

The fascination of Chinese tourists with the imagined romance between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is not simply a quirky fandom trend. It’s a reflection of deeper societal pressures surrounding marriage, gender dynamics, and the desire for a more idealized form of love. The danmei phenomenon provides an outlet for exploring relationships free from the complexities and expectations of traditional Chinese marriage, and highlights the enduring power of fan fiction to reshape narratives and offer alternative perspectives.