China's Most Misunderstood Subculture

They have been shamed by China’s urbanites for their outlandish hair with some calling them “tasteless and low-brow”. Meet the "Shamate" community, a subculture created by China’s rural youths born in the 1990s. Found mostly in Southern China’s factory towns, Shamate’s fashion sense is inspired by Japanese Visual Kei, known for its punk rock hairstyle and makeup. VICE World News meets members of this dying community in Dongguan, Guangdong province, and sees how this subculture has created a sense of belonging for these migrant youths.
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[@eeeooo4908]

As soon as I saw the hair I laughed, it's scene kids all over again. Alt trends will always be here to make others uncomfortable. Punk never dies. As long as people are being treated badly and people struggle and there's things to fight for, punk continues to be reborn and revitalised in so many places and times by so many different people. Amazing.

[@deltasaves]

This is a long standing subculture stemming from the late 90s and 00s. The documentary We Are SMART is wonderful if you can find it (was in limited release on KZbin). Very similar to Scene kids, but with a twist of many of those involved were factory workers and their struggles to be more free (even if just in dress).

[@ZolaClyde]

@@deltasaves Stemming from the UK punk scene in the mid-70‘s: See The Sex Pistols. Or the mid-80‘s - see The B-52‘s … I could go on but you get the idea. Each new generation reinvents the look but the spirit of Punk - like the OP said, never dies… and if I did some research I could probably find “scenes“ that preceded the Sex Pistols…

[@ZolaClyde]

@Cryptameria• Yes! I fully agree! I love the styles in this video (especially the young woman in the thumbnail pic) they’re amazing and so creative! and I’m way older than most people in the comments (born in 1968) I love the Sex Pistols to the B-52’s to Joy Division is the ultimate. I cannot leave out David Bowie who’s eternal and a music (& style) god. I wore hairstyles that made navy dad cringe (but if my mom said it was ok - which she did, he let it be.) There’s so many more bands I could name… but I forget rn & I’m not at all up on what’s new in music lately. But this is good.❤️

[@franciscocz8384]

i dont think these guys are punks. Punks are violent, these guys aren't. Punk culture is surround by drugs. Shamate culture it isn't. Punks have ideological and political ideas. Shamate culture is just a hobby.

[@StarMercurian]

Definently not scene.Scene sucked ass.

[@obsoleteoptics]

It's okay, scene kids weren't understood in the states either

[@lunaluna6474]

lmao i remember my scene days

[@joshuakhaos4451]

Only now is it starting to be looked at fondly.

[@obsoleteoptics]

@byakugozen at least they have the Guts to do it and get away with it

[@obsoleteoptics]

@byakugozen Expression is the Antidote to Depression. This is why the working class makes the best music.

[@sentimentalsky]

They weren't understood anywhere in the Western world.

[@remirussin7240]

“People don’t want to acknowledge that art can be created by those at the bottom of society.”

[@CRUASSANFAN]

This is not an art.

[@NoDrizzy630]

@@CRUASSANFANwho are you to say? Art is subjective.

[@Sir.Fisher]

there is no top or bottom in society, just in your head

[@nanban1896]

@@Sir.Fisher Lol good one, something that can only be said by someone near the top

[@tearlesereph]

I keep seeing Shamate being mentioned sometimes in the translated chinese novels I read online and the translators always do a little side note that Shamate is like a punk or rebel culture or they're fans of Japanese viskei. Even the pictures linked are from the 90s. I never knew that it was so tied into the migrant workers and it was their way of expression of freedom, and creativity, etc. Or that it still exists today. This is way deeper.

[@anazu.047]

ikr!

[@matthewmosier8439]

Shamate are basically looked down on very much by the rest of that country. Kind of like a lower "cast"

[@aygulmemet4201]

Shamate had the rebellious looks but were never troublesome. In contrast, it was the Feizhuliu who were doing drugs and alcohol.

[@nyomanyogaiswara8072]

if that brings happiness and joy to them, let them be. it's not like their peacock hair gonna disturb your life

[@mariyappanyadavr5852]

True

[@rickc2102]

Word, if this rocks your boat you need to get yourself a better boat.

[@_gossipgirlxoxo]

Some people need to frame and hang this on their walls.

[@bashirsheikh7322]

they seem like good kids hope don't get genocided

[@theangrykekistani9418]

it disturbing my eyes

[@AdrianvonZiegler]

"They don't think that people at the lowest strata of society can make art" - It's actually very often the exact opposite, a LOT of amazing artists come from absolutely nothing, factory workers, high school dropouts, anything you can imagine. Kurt Cobain lived under a bridge in his teens and worked as a janitor, Jimi Hendrix grew up in extreme poverty on the verge of homelessness. Art is very often created from personal suffering, and you find that in excess at the low ends of society, so claiming that they can't make art is not only wrong, it's the EXACT other way around. Subcultures thrive because they allow for people with monotonous and hard lives to break out of it for a brief moment, which is pretty much the bare minimum society should grant people, to add a tiny bit of vibrancy in a grey world. To try to take that away is actually cruel. Sorry for the rant, it's probably pretty obvious this is a personal thing for me.

[@nisiliciouse]

Agree 💯

[@DreamsRemorse]

Yes, exactly this. I thought the same thing. I mean how many times were artists, poets, and writers those who were of lower class. Those who grew up poor and struggling and even when they were alive maybe didn't make much or gain anything from their work. But then later it exploded and became popular. It seems to be a fairly common thing if you ask me.

[@nisiliciouse]

@@DreamsRemorse your comment should definitely get pinned. Great work and totally agree. Struggling out of nothing can really make any creation beautiful & inspiring.

[@20mikemike]

I was going to say the exact same thing lol

[@nom6758]

"China is cruel, more news at 10."

[@richlambeth7050]

I lived in China for a number of years, and Shamate were some of the best people. Down to earth, supportive, and overall way more fun to be around than the upper-class folks that were the student parents of the school that I worked at.

[@iusethisplatform]

This is so incredible to see. It's like a whole blend of scene, b-boy, punk, and Japanese visual kei - just all combined into one with a new twist. Takes a lot of creativity and bravery to express yourself to the fullest in an environment that oppresses you

[@_gossipgirlxoxo]

It's a sparkle of spontaneity and life in the midst of a monotone work culture. This is actually beautiful.

[@organicgrains]

Incredibly beautiful. As much as it seems like adapted scene culture (which I kind of despised during the myspace days) it comes from a completely different place and I LOVE IT.

[@juandon870]

It's terrible

[@stalledparade]

Eesh, I remember the first time I laid eyes on the Japanese Visual Kei movement in the late ‘90s, awed by their confidence. Good to see others found inspiration in it.

[@hunterflowerson4460]

@A G You’ve cured depression! Your Nobel prize is coming!

[@iamhardwell2844]

but according to CNN chinese in china dont have freedom

[@Xexuxa]

God forbid people play with their own damn hair and dance. People are so narcissistic to think other peoples personal choices should be dictated by what they think.

[@amberm2777]

It's a communist country. They have to fight for the simplest of freedoms we take for granted

[@demef758]

Can I still like Trump?

[@StrawberryFeildsforNever]

@@amberm2777 ummm you’re acting like People in the US aren’t like that either. It has nothing to do with communism

[@Jonathan-Pilkington]

@@amberm2777 lol you think this is different from the rest of the world? Stop watching so much right-wing media, it is destroying your brain.

[@keylimetea]

@@Jonathan-Pilkington HAVE YOU BEEN INSIDE CHINA? what do you know about how controlled it really is and such? Clearly not much bc even as a more liberal person I can see you’re being dumb here and don’t know that China is scarier inside than North Korea, just on a different level.

[@rxblackpill]

Not gonna lie, it's kinda goofy when you first see it, but then you realize how hard they have it in China and it really starts to warm your heart. It's really a beautiful thing. NEVER LET SHAMATE DIE

[@Patrick-857]

If you understand China you realise the balls it would take to do what they're doing.

[@DccAnh]

@@Patrick-857 If you actually understand China you realise it didn't take any balls to do this lol, it's not like it's illegal.

[@aparadox7253]

@@DccAnh ya, but out east people get p judgmental. If you're not "uniform" you'll prob at least get stares

[@DccAnh]

@@aparadox7253 that's pretty much everywhere, tell me a place where people don't stare at you if you're dressing like this on the street.

[@Bunny11344]

I don’t think it’s goofy. If I saw that I’d probably think it’s pretty cool. Only Karens and snowflakes ❄️ would probably think such a thing or have an issue with it

[@Candied_yamz]

In a society like China where conformity and collectivity is hammered into the culture, it’s understandable how some would want to rebel and move against the grain. Looking “ugly” and different is the point. These people are tired of not being allowed to be individuals. I feel for them.

[@exodusprparadoara6536]

我们的日常生活没有统一性和集体性，我们可以穿任何衣服，做任何不违法的事情。评论上来第一句就是先给我们中国人加一些偏见，你可真是恶心🤢。

[@exodusprparadoara6536]

你如果没来过中国，你这辈子都不会知道，也想象不到我们中国人的日常生活是什么样子的

[@AnimagicToons]

Look at the US, where I leave. Conformity and religion are our daily bread. People's knowledge here of China rarely goes beyond Fox News and that's a pity.

[@jdoe27]

Ugly? :O I think they look super cool tbh

[@BillyDawg101]

@@exodusprparadoara6536 动态网自由门 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Free Tibet 六四天安門事件 The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 天安門大屠殺 The Tiananmen Square Massacre 反右派鬥爭 The Anti-Rightist Struggle 大躍進政策 The Great Leap Forward 文化大革命 The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution 人權 Human Rights 民運 Democratization 自由 Freedom 獨立 Independence 多黨制 Multi-party system 台灣 臺灣 Taiwan Formosa 中華民國 Republic of China 西藏 土伯特 唐古特 Tibet 達賴喇嘛 Dalai Lama 法輪功 Falun Dafa 新疆維吾爾自治區 The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 諾貝爾和平獎 Nobel Peace Prize 劉暁波 Liu Xiaobo 民主 言論 思想 反共 反革命 抗議 運動 騷亂 暴亂 騷擾 擾亂 抗暴 平反 維權 示威游行 李洪志 法輪大法 大法弟子 強制斷種 強制堕胎 民族淨化 人體實驗 肅清 胡耀邦 趙紫陽 魏京生 王丹 還政於民 和平演變 激流中國 北京之春 大紀元時報 九評論共産黨 獨裁 專制 壓制 統一 監視 鎮壓 迫害 侵略 掠奪 破壞 拷問 屠殺 活摘器官 誘拐 買賣人口 遊進 走私 毒品 賣淫 春畫 賭博 六合彩 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Winnie the Pooh 劉曉波动态网自由门

[@tesscrelli783]

I'm Chinese and I have never heard of this subculture. Very happy to see things like this in the media- these people should be celebrated for their individuality, not criticized for it.

[@user-ui5fu7fi9x]

哈哈哈哈哈哈如果你是90后，并且在三四线小城市中生活过、在中国参加过九年义务教育，你就会知道杀马特文化在当时（2009-2011）有多火

Because your news are all communist.

[@BeastOrGod]

You have to be in China I guess.

[@deefarhei3617]

you are very young thats why

[@TL-fe9si]

这不是非主流吗？2004年~2012年火过一段时间吧😅

[@lalakuma9]

It's like discount visual kei without the music. Looks insane and I love it. If I were a teen factory worker living a lonely and monotonous life, I would want to have Super Saiyan hair too.

[@anthonygato407]

I would want the suicide net to be removed.

[@imarchello]

@@anthonygato407 No need. Just fentanyl yourself.

[@reinahashim3951]

@@anthonygato407 You are disqualified from comments section

[@xakatas9510]

social credits +10

[@oneepie]

China's even making bootleg visual kei

[@brandonwenzel2844]

As a 36 year old Metalhead who still rocks long hair, camo shorts, and concert shirts, not to mention other personal flares, I think this is awesome. Not trying to crap on anyone; but I've never seen the appeal of being "normal" like that. My style was born out of my interests and a bit of youthful rebellion; but I stuck with it because I still enjoy it. I just can't see myself ever donning some beige Khakis and a turquoise Polo shirt. Everyone is their own personal create-a-character; why not have fun with it? These folks found a way to shine in a life that's often drab and insulating. I say good on em.

[@last_womann8344]

I live in Arkansas in the United States, one of the most rural and blandest states in the country. There used to be subcultures similar to this back in the early 2000s such as emo, scene, hipster, etc. It has died out since then so everyone blends in amongst society and look like clones. I stand out proudly with many styles in my wardrobe on the edgy spectrum. I really wished my state had a community like this or somewhere where outsiders and edgy people can express themselves. I'm in a committed relationship, otherwise, I'd move to somewhere like Chicago where I have seen edgy people out in the open.

[@realSethMeyers]

Try Miami. I understand what you're saying.

[@luciusd]

I'm stealing my boyfriend from Arkansas lol we are both bi and it's so strange every time I go to visit him and see the locals/crosses on every corner. I'm in Canada and we have a huge alternative scene

[@ARMASOG]

i live there and i never thought of it like that i wished some people would be normal kids instead of underage drinking and making trouble for themselves. i don't live in a rural area though so i don't have the same experience.

[@knowbody9679]

The funny thing is that If God made us with blue spikey hair we would have to to change it to straight brown.

[@roseywinter]

Kind of ironic that all the people judging them are the same people using the goods that they produced in the factories they work at. Like, if they're going to work their butts off doing monotonous, tedious work in stuffy factories so that you can wear that shirt on your back, just be quiet and mind your own business. Don't judge. It's really cool how they're brightening up their lives doing something fun!

[@Athrunwong]

Freedom of speech, try and stop us.

[@Athrunwong]

@Mcillsonn Apparently you cared enough to replied... Thank you for that tho...

[@roseywinter]

@Mcillsonn How do you know if they're a weeboo? They don't seem to be.

[@worldview730]

It's not a judgement but a defense to protect our eyes

[@Its.just.mee3]

@@Athrunwong no one can stop u, and no one can stop the ppl who are dressing that way either

[@barneymiller7894]

As an old school American Punk...I approve. Your doing your own shit and you don't care if it pisses people off. Good job.

[@BillyTheCheeseMonger]

haha love to see it

[@marcelapontes7033]

Totally Agreed!

[@markjosephbantayan3479]

I'm the 665th like on this comment, I hope this comment gets one more and it stops there 👌👌

[@hirallyly]

@@markjosephbantayan3479 it happened :0

[@Zharrgrim]

You were never cool though

[@paperleaves4762]

I never really understood why people should be judged by how they dress. They are not hurting anyone, just trying to find something that makes them a little bit more happy. We all need a little bit more happiness 😊

[@daysadaysa9193]

I guarantee you in the upcoming years people will pick and pull aspects from this culture to the mainstream making it a trend. We've seen it with the advent of eboys taking aspects from punk. Personally for me I rock with this because I back anything that supports self expression in a positive way.

[@kirani111]

They’re braver and happier than all those people that call them “unacceptable” and “mental”. They’re brave to love life and enjoy it despite working and living in a monotonous and miserable society.

[@Davidmartinez-zp9wl]

👋

[@timp7796]

whats up with the peace sign lmao lame

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

Na man there's a difference between being yourself and intentionally sporting a look that screams please look at me I need attention. These people are as fake as a female with a million dollars worth of plastic surgery, they are everything but themselves.

[@watitduful]

Exactly dingfuzz. That’s the thing about some of these subcultures that have always tripped me out. Really, is it truly about being different or just a scream for attention which would in turn indicate that some of them, ironically, want the acceptance of the normies. Are they wearing it because they actually like it or because it’s a means to an end (getting attention/validation from others)?

[@ellize1998]

@@watitduful I think some people do it for attention and others do it simply because they feel inspired by a certain look

[@Feverm00n]

This simultaneously hurts my heart to hear they feel lonely or stifled or unseen, and then heals it bc of how they translated that pain into a creative outlet and a community. I love their style! I hope the shamate community continues on. 💓

[@whoelsebutmeofcoursei]

Same. I love them unironically now. The exquisite hair and clothing, that's not bad, it's part of the appeal

[@go556]

Thanks Vice for producing this. I grow up in China and view Shamate as a laughing stock. I have never looked deeper into this and see the sad story behind all those ridiculous looking hairstyles.

[@fullondeep7176]

this is very very touching for me... the first time you meet people like your own kind is like magic, its bliss ♥ you feel nothing but love for one another, you laugh, you cry together, you speak the same language... every shared minute is holy and priceless! no matter how fucked up life is treating you, your familia will have your back and be there for you, so there is at least this one thing, that lightens up your existence on this planet. the bound is tight as is should be and the bound is called LOVE ♥ to loose this can actually traumatise you... youll always seek back to this love you once had but is gone for good now. it hurts, its almost like physically pain, or like youre heartbroken and some might never get over this loss -.- still... it does not matter if these days are long ago and you lost your familia because you know now, how LOVE feels like and how it is, or can be, to be a part of something way bigger then your tiny ass- and thats way more then others will ever have! cause life is a pain and you better get used to it, bitch! ♫♥♫

[@alicecuriosityoftenleadsto6288]

This is actually pretty badass. They built a subculture and solidarity through artistic self expression in a monotone grueling work environment so droll that it causes lots of people to off themselves. Way to rise. Hardship breeds creativity and culture!

[@quandong8245]

Nothing speaks weakness and insecurities like all of these "badass".

[@sarahl9398]

Well put.

[@dpellek74]

​@@quandong8245exactly. That sissy boy stuff should be outlawed. The second hand cringe is too much

[@goldensloth7]

droll?

[@ll4680]

This reminds me of the early MySpace days with scene kids and emo music in the early to mid 2000s

[@sadmemenist1622]

That's very cool I miss dark age

[@joshuakhaos4451]

Same.

[@tmck4138]

Yea except China is 15-20 years late on the trend

[@solarmoth4628]

T McK Shamate started in like 2009 around the same time as emo and scene kids.

[@JoshortizXLB]

Style is very similar, but the culture is different. They are like the opposite of emo personality wise haha

[@Tripledashhh_]

History repeats itself, teens will always revolt, punk will always stay in the hearts of rebels and for those unheard. Comical for this newer generation, but relatable as a scene kid.

[@sueprator9314]

Yes but living in such a controlling Country like China there is very few things that the Govt wont bust your ass for. If this is one thing that they overlook then let them feel some creative juices. They can't breathe there folks. Let them feel their humanity. Pretty or not.

[@sueprator9314]

Not funny at all. You have to look at in the bigger context of the suppressed Nation they live in.

[@Tripledashhh_]

@@sueprator9314 never said it was funny. Maybe you need to read the bigger meaning of my comment lmao

[@kayde2981]

This feels like a reflection of how society has changed with technology, almost cyberpunk in its fashion both visually and mentally.

[@Neonmusicity]

In the monotony of city life, this kind of culture is refreshing and adds colour to life. Just because something is different doesn’t mean you have to reject it at first glance. I mean, they are happy to do this, perhaps they feel more positive or free styling their hair and clothes like that. It’s not like they are a public nuisance.

[@worldview730]

Look out for the knock on your door next with this endorsement

[@babykitten6700]

Mainland Asia(n countries) are generally very close minded and have herd mentality. The creative scenes are a small mini world once you’re in one, only other creatives understand each other. This video was indeed refreshing compared with how controlling China’s government is. Hope one day soon freedom for the Chinese people.

[@DccAnh]

​@@babykitten6700 Lmao the fact that this ugly style exist already show that Chinese people have alot of freedom, if they don't have it, these stuffs wouldn't exist in the first place lol, use your fuking brain. Also "close minded" ? You're an outsider, who are you to tell us how we should live our life ? Remember Asian society are created by the Asians, we choose how we live, outsiders's opinions do not matter.

[@babykitten6700]

@@DccAnh lol outsider😂 you think I’m not asian? Dumb dumb

[@howinooz]

These kids are the cool kids of China. Culture always comes from he poor, the afflicted, the downtrodden. Hip Hop music. Seattle grunge. China is desperate for soft power b/c the world is afraid of China. What they don't know is that these kids are the soft power they're looking for. They're the cool kids. And yet they trample on their self expression. So sad. I'm a black hip hop kid from the 90s and this is the first time I've ever looked at Chinese modern culture (not the Forbidden City or the Great Wall) and said 'cool'. If they were left alone I wonder what else these young people would come up with.

[@davidbeddoe6670]

1: Those hairstyles cost hundreds of dollars in the 90's. 2: Have you heard Shamate music? Dude what you're saying is true for the West but I dunno about China man...

[@lisaellis2593]

Exactly!

[@stephanclemens2348]

That's a very western perspective. China sees the west as a failed experiment. They will shield their people from any further western influence and if those guys ever get too visible they are going to trim the fat.

[@DocBree13]

❤️❤️❤️ love everything you said

[@TheHollandHS]

@@stephanclemens2348 but the world does feel afraid of china. If china start to force them to like them would be very awkward.

[@musiclikeseverybody]

As someone who lives in the other side of the world I mostly always feel like there is a very strong cultural barrier between China and my culture, that they are strange and alien, but somehow, this reminds me so much of emo culture, it's beautiful, it makes me feel for them in a way that no other piece of media has. Good for them

[@rancidpitts8243]

A sad thing about China, and other East Asian cultures is that you must Conform. I have a sister in law who is from China. When she first arrived, she was amazed at the different cultures existing side by side peacefully, for the most part, at work and loving the local sports teams. Twenty some years later she still feels uncomfortable wanting to correct random people for not acting Chinese. Her actions amuse me sometimes, most often when she realizes she was acting Chinese to a stranger.

[@stellawilliams9303]

Fantastic, in our day we had sub cultures, and it really pushed people's buttons, they wanted to have power and control over the kids, who were expressing their creativity, go for it

[@BigmanDogs]

@Ali al-Dulaimi علي الدليمي I think its more that the price is so expensive. You can get control over your kids but they will resent you for the rest of your life and piss on your grave.

[@maocharlisme]

@Ali al-Dulaimi علي الدليمي perhaps the parent with full control over their children isn't raising free civilians but rather slaves to a normative status quo. Think about that. You are emblematic to why many western people - or even just free or liberty seeking people all across the world - don't like arabic or more specifically islamic culture, tradition and societal organisation and ideology.

[@leneay9]

wow definitely did not know china had this kind of subculture. but it really makes sense that it's found in southern china's smaller towns.

[@emmanuelmayoral9779]

It definitely reminds me of my own experiences with scene kids back in the day. I knew a lot of Latino scene kids during middle school and high school. And like the shamate kids here, they were from working class families with very rigid expectations for them. They saw the deadening work that their parents did. But they chose to make themselves happy by going crazy with the hair and the fashion. I knew a few from poor LA neighborhoods, and a few from farm towns in the Central Valley.

[@js3617]

This hurts absolutely no one. Good for them for doing them, not being a slave to the sheep mentality of being the same and submissive. Individualism requires courage and china doesn't like that because individuals with courage turn into groups with courage.

[@TheMediaMachine]

In the 1980s=1990s in England, the city of Sheffield was colourful, with guys and girls dresses as punk rockers, skin heads, break dancers, like what you see on video but it died off and faded away in my city a year later. It was the most exciting year. I was a kid who liked photography and I took many photographs. 20 years later a collector found me to see my photographs as I posted just a cpuple online. I sold them for thousand of dollars. I thank these subcultures for helping me get out of the struggling hard life. My dad was a steel worker. My mum didn't work but looked after seven children and these subculture existed in my city but only for a short time. I became an artist, singer, songwriter, producer. That time inspired me so much to forget the hard life and loneliness. It also attracted many girls because I looked different. It was before internet, social media and so so many of us was outside in the street, hanging out together. Today the streets are dead or everyone is on their phone. The video reminds me of the cruelest times but also the best time, a time of youth, of bravery, of being yourself, of expressing yourself and doing things to stand out to attract the girl or guy. Great artists came from those times, musicians too, producers of music, paintings, fashion and so much more that made the world better with colours, ideas, and connection. Don't judge them, this is a fleeting moment in their lives, in which they'll look back with awesomeness of a time when they felt themselves and for a time free from worries of life, work, predictable hard life. Some will look back with sadness too because when it's gone from their life, it's gone. They will soon grow up as adults with same worries we all have as adults. So for me, I hope they embrace these moments with pride because it will be fleeting and it will also fade away from their life too.

[@cyncblt]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@matthewlin3678]

honestly i feel like this deserves it's own place in the history of punk styles

[@xxjaime562xx]

LOL ... Riiiight

[@reinerwongler7263]

It's Visual KEI not punk

[@kalamay]

Punk subculture originated with the alienated working class such as some of the people here. It's hilarious some disagree with you

[@madjurixl]

Another visual k and modernized emo sub culture mix. Old cultures never die.

[@itsbeyondme5560]

So right

[@saltyparabolas9561]

But this looks SUPER old school v-k, which is surprising to me tbh. Thought most people would opt for the early 2000's style over the 80s vk style

[@jinkieez]

It's true. They don't die, just evolve. And just because a group is not as popular as before doesn't mean they all dissapeared.

[@vysharra]

Punks are gonna punk.

[@noisehippo1561]

Absolutely! :D

[@neosaba2777]

This made me feel happy, but sad at the same time. People will always have a struggle but it is how you choose to react and deal with it that will determine life being good or bad

[@brentrebrab]

Awesome vid, a lot of respect for the tenacity and the robustness of their characters. On a side note for yt, breh i had to get thru 5-6 add breaks for this one vid each time spending 15-30s.....we gon have to square up for this sht now

[@leie9636]

This was a beautiful video. I really liked the part where the one woman said that the poor can make art as well. The higher society preaches that art is to express and yet they’re also stifling those that express themselves in a way they don’t agree with.

[@theboredengineer2947]

I actually think this is pretty cool and nice that they have a DGAF attitude and they just wear what makes them confident and happy. They aren't hurting anyone so leave them alone.

[@SiberiusRises]

What an incredibly beautiful story. I have lived and worked in the PRC for some time now, and am only vaguely familiar with those millions that I know are out there that desire some measure of freedom in any way they can find it. As the PRC becomes more and more repressive again, I can only hope these young people make it.

[@verti3213]

This is first subculture that I sympathize with. To add some color to monotonnous and depressive life as a simple worker. As a kid I could never relate why would people waste time on wearing funny clothes, hairstyles and adhering to trends. It felt so impractical and tiring.

[@scribblescratch3011]

To me this Just looks like 80s punk rockers back in my days

[@Roonlovesfish3874]

I was just about to say that. Punk and Goth.

[@leoray2859]

they just pop in 1995-2010 not now

[@scribblescratch3011]

@@leoray2859 i know that im just saying the style is like 80s punk rockers

[@rickc2102]

History rhyming again. Kids with too much energy for their environment gotta release it somehow, and this here is innocuous.

[@lbrlrsfdj8895]

To me this looks like 50 BCE Germanic raiders back in my days (yes, I'm that old).

[@DocBree13]

Seeing these young people expressing their individuality and creativity is so beautiful and uplifting. I’m sorry the Shamates seem to be disappearing and I hope they make a resurgence - even if that looks much different. I’m sure the acceptance of the group and the ability to stand out in a crowd is very good for the mental health of those who are stuck in those menial jobs.

[@stevenkim5688]

Even if Shamate disappear, the spirit remains and will reincarnate in a different form. You see lots of punks empathizing with these kids in the comments because they recognize the conditions that gave rise to the Shamate, and they see the same spirit.

[@Cavalier.]

Very pitiful, i mean beautiful, indeed.

[@madamadadane7989]

When I fell in love with vkei in middle school I wasn't brave enough to replicate the beautiful styles because how they looked was unreal. Malice Mizer and bucktick etc all iconic looks. He is truly living life as he should.

[@Lombardi54]

Thank you for making this video. I was curious about Shamate culture at first but learn to appreciate them more after watching this mini-documentary.

[@yrasphong]

Be a boring world if we all looked the same

[@nekozombie]

but we don't regardless of this fad, do we?

[@healiaquastar]

It feels nice hearing rural dialects. My family hasn't been able to visit relatives in years, so nostalgic

[@Vojife]

These documentaries are what I love VICE for. Thank you for this!

[@oatie4262]

I really appreciate the team for covering this!

[@laurakelly631]

it is testament to the spirit of creativity in humans that caught in a numbing situation of some factory jobs, they find a way to bring color and expression in. I wish they could have jobs that are not deadening and numbing. The expressions of creativity, while good, will not undo the negative effects of being in deadening jobs for too long. Those who criticize them, don't understand the situation...easier to judge than to understand. It's art..enjoy it, people!

[@ijansk]

This is not original actually. This is a Chinese version of Japan's Visual Kei.

[@MrEscrowreview]

It's almost like vice is getting back into good content.

[@BubbleOfJelly]

Because they can’t bash Donald Trump anymore.

[@everyhandleistakeneventhisone]

They copied everything except the footage from another (much smaller) KZbin channel that covers Chinese culture.. even the title. (Edit : sorry the other video is titled 'Chinas most hated subculture' but given it came out a month earlier than this it's clear what happened) So basically their strategy now is to find videos smaller KZbinrs make and copy them and take credit for covering 'undiscovered topics'. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2bSZ6mGZbSVmsk

[@MrEscrowreview]

@@everyhandleistakeneventhisone i was honestly wondering how they came across the topic.

[@Enlightened0ne]

@@BubbleOfJelly Lol, no it gets boring to speak about an orange gorilla. Way more important matters than a criminal deflating balloon.

[@deltasaves]

The We Are SMART documentary was out a few months back and spanned years of research and interviews, including finding some of the originators of the scene and how it has morphed since the "fall from grace". Scene Kids in the US/ EU and Smart have similar looks that evolved around the same times, if i remember correctly.

[@leichi1988]

This has all the parts of a subculture that are so important, the hairs,clothing,the negative feedback from others who´ll never understand what it´s all about.

[@frankstephens2510]

Freedom of expression, art, and style are universal and should never be suppressed.

[@MuslimahNefertari]

Im glade they’re expressing themselves, their culture seems really against expressing your true self, it’s all about being a worker bee, and blending into everyone else, so you won’t cause a scene. It’s nice to see people confident enough to break away from the norm.

[@tmck4138]

@Giovanni Strider I actually think it’s the opposite. China is more into collectivism while the states is more into individuality. It’s why we can’t agree on things to get stuff done. On the other hand, when you have an idea, you can’t express said idea that would stray from the norm in China. If we could find that perfect sweet spot in the middle we would have flying cars by now

[@Lost_Hwasal]

@@tmck4138 It really isnt, youre either a trumptard or a libtard. The tribalism in the US is MASSIVE, and if you disagree with a group youre either a soyboy of a facist. America currently is very intolerant to differing opinions.

[@angrydragon4574]

@Giovanni Strider If you watched the whole video, you'd understand that society simply tolerated them. Big difference between being tolerated and having freedom of expression.

[@angrydragon4574]

@Giovanni Strider Stupid wumao, you are at the whims of the government in China, what they say goes. There is no recourse. It isn't because they're Chinese, it's because of the communist government. In America no one can stop you because of a hairstyle. Maybe *some* jobs *might* refuse you, you can always go work someplace that will. And tolerance is not the same as freedom, not that I'd expect a wumao like you to understand those concepts.

[@anti-consumerism6178]

@Giovanni Strider gay ppl can openly be gay in America. What about China? We can also criticise out government and bot get arrested or silenced. What were you saying about freedom of expression wumao?

[@gavinescuyos6200]

We all laugh at this subculture but deep inside this is our avatars when we play games 😅😅😅

[@maocharlisme]

Speak for yourself. I don't laugh at this subculture at all

[@maocharlisme]

@Mokusei Noire you said it exactly right I think! What you said is precisely what I always wanted to point out to people!

[@abetteryoutubehandle]

@@maocharlisme Nobody asked.

[@ItalianGoddess]

💕🫶🏼💗💯SHAMATE CULTURE FOR LIFE! Fashion houses of 2022-23, bring this fashion to the catwalks and feature these people in your fashion shows! This fashion needs to be worldwide and the fact it was created out of the factory workers needs to be shared! Who better to create a fashion line than those who are making the fashions! ICONS! 🤩💯

[@tiffany_james]

Kinda reminds me of the Gyaru + Visual Kei Subcultures of Japan in the 2000s. I get why they go hard w' their fashion/style. Sometimes the more society tells its ppl to be a certain way, the more some ppl will head in the opposite direction of that: Reverse Psychology. Art + creation will always be a part of societies + cultures. Art and creativity comes from everyone, it's never came from one kind of ppl or socioeconomic group. It's pretty valuable + draws tourism + exposure to countries. Some ppl really into anime/manga travel to Japan just 4 stores and events related to anime/manga. I noticed the strong conformity + conservative vibes in parts of Japan but I also noticed the talented art + creativity many ppl in this society have at the same time: just walking through certain terminal stations, museums seeing amazing mod art structures + architecture. So yeah there's an undeniable love of ppl's art + wackiness and there's a big attraction towards it. Musicians + performance artists have to start somewhere as well. Some ppl say oh I'm not into art or I'm not really a fan of art stuff but they enjoy music + certain musicians. Maybe they're not into "visual arts". To me music is another form of art + lots of musicians call themselves artists. I don't just travel 2 a new place for the food, I want to also visit museums + see the art. When countries market their most popular cities for tourism they don't show the drab hustle + gloom, they show a bit of vibrancy: food, events, performers, history + ART.

[@pattidean4109]

Reminds me of us punk kids of the 70's/80's. So glad to see that spirit still exists.

[@sofiapavese9413]

This is beautiful. They add some colours and cheerfulness, between all that gray and monotony. Reminds of "floggers", a subculture that was popular in Argentina.

[@868Labs]

Is is that hard to get a English translator? I hate reading these small subtitles and not being able to focus on the picture. I always switch off

[@Initium1000]

I love the cinematography of this documentary! I loved how they made everyone look so beautiful and graceful. A country I will probably never get to visit and a subculture I won’t experience. Thank you!

[@ironyelegy]

Oh, China adopted scene...cool! A great style for a systemic rebellion. They look fucking killer. To hear of the visual kei ties... not surprised!

[@oyveyshalom]

Now we wait for the CCP to fall like the USSR did back in the 90s.

[@baqikenny]

i actually grew up seeing certain sista or dudes with this style back in my hometown in china, somehow it hits nostalgia now lol, although I have never been part of scene culture

[@rnd9331]

and where do you live now, dost

[@deltasaves]

It was taken up about the same time in China and the US/EU. Independent movements of each other but similar looks. If you can find it, watch the We Are SMART documentary; it's a lovely piece. Many stories of those who are now in their mid 30s and the progenitors of the movement starting in small town kids stuck in shitty factory jobs in the early 00s.

[@hunterrogersmusic]

I love this, the fact that there are new subcultures forming in a similar manner and conditions to how subcultures were formed in the west back in the day is awesome to witness. This is one of the most original things I have seen coming out of China in recent years.

[@Firusdhf]

Just a copy of punk

[@deltasaves]

This was around the same heyday of scene kids in the west, just wasn't known about until recently. Check out the We Are SMART documentary if you can find it! Was a great piece that was released earlier this year.

[@forestbubblegum]

This subculture isn’t that recent, it was the most trendy during the early 2000s. I remember seeing them in China as a kid

[@alebaobao]

We have something similliar here in Indonesia, we called it jamet. A community with uniqe hairstyle and fashion. They have uniqe dances that never failed to surprised people. Super creative.

[@BeastOrGod]

If you want to meet the most genuine and friendly people in China, you find these guys.

[@arepent08]

In China they had "Shamate", but in Indonesia we had it too. We called it "Jamet". Also called with "Jamet Kuproy". Kuproy word is stand for "Kuli Proyek" in english means "builder" who working in building house or others. I don't know what comes first between "Jamet" and "Shamate". But maybe, in my opinion, both of them is typically the same in background and style. Maybe you could help me to find out. They are found easily in Madura Island, East Java.

[@Ambient_Scenes]

Before you laugh at their hair, remember that not so long ago half the people in the West walked around in friggin Mozart wigs. In any case, it's always encouraging to see people have to guts to break the mold.

[@CentigradeMind]

Well said. And I just realized this is a video from a year ago!

[@Minifutzi_o.O]

Punks still wear similar hair styles, so it's still alive

[@trixrabbit8792]

The artistry of youth. Every generation goes through the struggle to be relevant. The older generations distain the young punks. The younger generation doesn’t understand the Why. As we grow we slowly find our place in the grand scheme and the punk fades away. In some ways it’s sad to see the spark die. But in it’s dying, room is made for a new flame to grow. It’s comforting to know that the fire will never completely die. There will always be some punk kid doing something to stand out from the crowd.

[@brianlew86]

Can we give Vice a big thank you thumbs up for bringing up amazing content like this?

[@nayadrama4167]

I don't see freedom... the pain, the loneliness, difficulties, the suffering when I see them (the first part in the factory town) and specially the blue hair guy, are crushing my heart :( It's a way of trying to survive in this terrible and hard world.. It's a way of existing in this world, and to show that we are not just a fucking number ... I've always loved the rebels, the ones that didn't fit into the mold of conformity and what a "normal person is supposed to be". Because in the end, these people are the ones who want to live the most and to feel alive... And it's very cool that they have found a way of expression. They have found a new family and that's a very positive point ! I will just say that I wish them to be happy

[@kenzielacosta8244]

Just reminds me of myself. I started dressing like this and going gothy punk or just always had my own style since I was a little kid. It shouldn't be frowned upon just because someone else does not understand it. Everyone should.habe the freedom.to be happy and do what they want and live like they want as long as you don't hurt others!

[@joyceliang8061]

I'm surprised to find that VICE cover Shamate as it is a very unpopular topic hehe But you know what's really interesting? Some of the aesthetics are making a come back as a part of the Y2K fashion in China :') And they look pretty awesome

[@swordsnorchids1997]

I can relate, I'm a factory worker and love (cyber)punk and alternative styles too even though I'm from the Netherlands, it's awesome to see how it's a culture in different places.

[@callmeizzy9785]

I love this story! You can put people down, but you can't keep them down. They found a community, they found each other, they found out how to be individuals and have fun. It's a beautiful story.

[@LUCKYNEGRA13]

I would rather live doing what makes me happy, regardless of what society thinks, than to live miserable doing what others want me to do. Stay true to yourself because we live in a world where there is too many followers and not enough leaders. You guys are beautiful and unique. Keep shining.

[@ellawangolsson9639]

such a wholesome video!! thank you for sharing I love everything about them !!!

[@RicardoPower]

When he talked about that factory life , shit hit me hard .

[@binhdang555]

This is a glimpse behind the “made in China” label and see how people bring creativity into their overworked lives.

[@DX413RB8]

When there are so many people and uniqueness is difficult, being strange becomes quite the option to socialize.

[@crushingthevector5837]

The most profound artists, those who changed the world and advanced humanities "thought", have mostly derived from poverty. For anyone to believe that art cannot be created by the poor is not just naïve, it is foolish. Shamate has only recently caught my attention. Being an older person, I applaud the youthful spirit and creativity of those who refuse to conform. I love this sub-culture and hope to see it thrive again. And it will. While Shamate is not necessarily "punk" by way of the music they listen to, it is the same spirit of rebellion that gave the world punk many generations ago. Someday, when theyve cut their hair and started their adult families and perhaps given in to some degree to the conformity of Society, perhaps they will look back and realize that these small gestures had a much larger impact on their society than they might realize. It is this rebel spirit that will open the eyes, hearts and minds of all of the mindless cattle who judge them. Long live Shamate!!!

[@mcsmith732]

Very beautiful and definitely artistic. Courageous too. In a way, it's too bad that the conformists don't like it. OTOH, it's the way things have always been. Maybe some day, humans will appreciate the artists among us enough so that we don't try to crush them.

[@self..destroyer]

I admit that at times like this, wish I still had hair to play around with 😤

[@roseywinter]

wigs :D

[@kishorraika6411]

finally some chill comment 😎😎👊👊🤟

[@bsherman8236]

Hats are fun too

[@Nanancay]

so THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS, that's so cool omg. I saw a few of those tiktoks and I was wondering where the funky hair countryside thing came from. The fact that it's a whole thing is so dope. The fact that it's stopping them from having jobs/working is so sad.

[@georgezaharoff]

This was FRIKKEN AWESOME!! Haha! I love this. How is this any different that breakdancing in the 1980s? I loved watching this. “Living a mundane life makes them want to stand out in an extreme way…” love this!

[@alextclulz]

The real life versions of anime hairstyles. I did wonder if they were real :)

[@deltasaves]

Some may be wigs, some are just temp dyes (spray or wax). Lots of teasing, hairspray... Reminds me of those glory punk days of mine back in the late 90s to early 00s. Now i just get a wig

[@AA-wd2or]

Brave kids find far avay from home way to connect and how not to be alone annymore and also find the way how to have good time and support each other.

[@akazaynab]

Suddenly I felt the nostalgia of my young teenage years being a scene kid 🤣

[@darklingdarkengar705]

"My hair is like a friend to me" - I feel you, bro. :(

[@TRx-oj5nw]

The depth of emotional content in this documentary is refreshing. Thanks Vice.

[@bee.dibsk222]

Scene/emo kids chinese version.. 🧡 Damn i miss myspace days. good ol'days

[@julioduan7130]

I think this is an old video. I am from China. I can’t believe this is still happening in China.

[@leoray2859]

@@julioduan7130 抖音多了去了

[@joshuam.6027]

@@julioduan7130 You don't like them? or just shocked?

[@julioduan7130]

@@joshuam.6027 I think it was a trend which ended in China around year 2008. I didn’t expect there are still people who adore this kind of haircut in China.

[@joshuam.6027]

@@julioduan7130 interesting, I guess niche trends sometimes last longer than it's expected.

[@yun115242]

I'm so jeleous of these people. They can be whatever they want and look and be confident about it. I wish I could be like that.

[@trixy1823]

Just absolutely love their energy and courage. Just like tattoos and tagging but changeable and dynamic. “SEE ME!!!” “I’M HERE TOO!” “I HAVE VALUE!” “MY Creative SOUL MUST BE EXPRESSED!” “All you want to tell me is I’M BAD, I’M WRONG, I’M ----- negative…. Well YOU (parents, family, school) ARE SO BAD and WRONG for feeding me this lie!!!!!!!!!!!!” GO FOR IT! … YOU BEAUTIFUL SOULS❣️!❣️!❣️!❣️!❣️!❣️.

[@jessicagomez1760]

I think its insane to want to blend in and look like everyone else, having perosnality and express it through your clothes and hair is great. Let people be.

[@amoraacsgo6026]

the nail that sticks up gets hammered down. it is an insane way to live but the people who rule us are not to be considered sane by any common person.

[@repmidwest]

I've been seeing these hairstyles popping up on Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok). I wondered what sparked the revival. Funny that theres also been a surge of "Emo nights" popping up at bars in the states now that even late millenials are all 25yo+. 😄

[@deltasaves]

It was done by millennials around the same time as Scene kids in the West. With the opening of the media circuits, i feel it started to get a revival in those in their late teens. In happy to see the looks still alive and a fresh take on it. If you can find it, watch the documentary We Are SMART.

[@juicyparsons]

Emo Night at the club?!?! that's hilarious

[@davia.holanda9405]

this mother from the mountains, whose smile is spontaneous and natural, no matter what she wears, or what her hair looks like. She will be beautiful.

[@dariashyshkina7220]

Firstly I lived in Henan and then moved to Guangzhou which is near Dongguan like that guy , wow, those coincidences

[@juicyparsons]

when I was in middle school in Chicago in the 90s I'll never forget seeing our first punk hairdo in public & the class clown said buddy look like he punches the holes in bowling balls with that hair and it was the funniest thing in the WORLD to me! 2 decades later and punk hair is the most inspiring hairstyle EVER lol respect

[@DJ_POOP_IT_OUT_FEAT_LIL_WiiWii]

locally we were told their hairstyle stayed put together with rotten egg, not many found that inspiring