In his latest cartoon for CDT, Badiucao comments on the treatment of tennis star Li Na, who recently won the Australian Open. Li Na has been called a rebel for her decision to play independently of the state athletic system. After she won the Open, she was applauded for her outspokenness and her humor in her victory speech, while Chinese official media questioned why she didn’t thank her motherland, as most Chinese athletes are expected to do upon winning. A photo was widely distributed of her begrudgingly accepting a payment of 800,000 yuan from officials in her home province of Hubei, illustrating her difficult relationship with Chinese officialdom. In an effort to explain Li Na’s attitude, netizens dug up video from the awards ceremony of the 2001 National Games, during which an official appears to slap Li Na while presenting her award.
Love From Her Red Motherland, by Badiucao for CDT
Read also a CDT Q&A with Badiucao in which he discusses his artistic and personal influences. All Badiucao cartoons for CDT are available here.
