Top cultural events of 2013

[Photo/Xinhua]

6. Feng Xiaogang

Famous director Feng Xiaogang was a big newsmaker this year.

On February 26, Feng said on his micro-blog that a foreign friend asked him about the meaning of the word "diaosi," which went viral online. He explained it as "a disparaging term for people in miserable conditions," and his friend was confused because the media was using it, making it sound like a kind of praise. Feng replied that, "We take it as honor instead of shame here." The foreigner was surprised and told him in his country, media dare not use such a disgusting word to describe others.

The micro-blog immediately aroused hot debate. Many Internet users who considered themselves "diaosi" or "plebs" argued that Feng was once one of them and after gaining his fame from the support of these people.

Feng defended himself by saying "Calling oneself 'grassroot' is self-mockery, but diaosi is too cheap."

Five months after the controversy, Feng came under spotlight again – CCTV announced that Feng will be the chief director of the Spring Festival gala, which is an important part of the Spring Festival for many families.

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