Rise of ‘Pretend Rich’ Culture in China: A Case Study of a Security Guard’s Deception of 160 Girlfriends for Money and Affection

Introduction

The case study of a security guard in China who swindled money and affection from over 160 girlfriends in just 10 months highlights a deeper trend in China — the rise of “pretend rich” culture. This article will delve deeper into the case study, exploring the cultural and societal factors that led to the “pretend rich” culture phenomenon in China. It will also analyze the consequences of such behavior and offer solutions for creating a more sustainable and authentic culture.

Case Study

The security guard in question worked at a bank in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province. He was a young and handsome man who had access to the financial information of the bank’s customers. Using his charm and access to insider information, he pretended to have a close relationship with the bank’s manager and claimed to be able to obtain high-interest bank products through internal channels.

He used this false image to deceive his friends and family into investing over 300 million yuan in bank products, which he claimed to manage on their behalf. However, he kept the money for himself and used it to create a luxurious lifestyle that he could not afford.

He dressed in expensive clothing and accessories, drove luxury cars, and lived in a rented apartment that he furnished with expensive furniture and electronics. He also used his ill-gotten gains to frequent high-end restaurants and clubs, taking photos of himself and postingthem on social media.

Using social media and dating apps, he presented himself as a wealthy and successful “Chuangke” — someone who showed off their wealth and status. He posted pictures of himself in expensive clothing and cars and photos of him attending high-end events and parties.

His online persona attracted over 160 women, ranging in age from 10 to 40, from various backgrounds and professions. He would keep track of his girlfriends by categorizing them into groups on WeChat and choose a different girlfriend each time he wanted to meetor have sex.

He would often make false promises of investments or business ventures to his girlfriends, convincing them to give him large sums of money. He would use this money to maintain his false image of wealth and continue deceiving his girlfriends.

One day, he was caught by one of his girlfriends, a married woman in her thirties. She followed him after he left a hotel with another woman and confronted him. The confrontation led to a physical altercation between the two women, which was caught on camera and went viral on social media.

The police began an investigation, which led them to uncover the security guard’s fraud and deception. He was arrested and charged with fraud and illegally possessingother people’s property.

Cultural and Societal Factors

The case of the security guard highlights a more significant cultural and societal trend in China — the pressure to present an image of wealth and success, even if it is not authentic. This trend has been dubbed “pretend rich” culture, and it is driven by a desire to fit into a society that values status and wealth above all else.

China has a long history of valuing social status and hierarchy. This is evident in the importance placed on the “hukou” system, which divides citizens into rural and urban categories based on their place of birth. Those with an urban hukou have access to better education, healthcare, and job opportunities than those with a rural hukou.

This system has led to a society where social status is highly valued and where people are judged based on their job, education, and place of origin. This has created a culture where people are expected to present an image of success and wealth, even if they do not have the financial means to support it.

This culture is further perpetuated by the rise of social media and dating apps, which provide a platform for individuals to present themselves in a highly curated and exaggerated way. People can post pictures of themselves in luxurious settings, posing with expensive cars or clothing, or attending high-end events on these platforms.

The pressure to conform to this culture of wealth and status can be overwhelming, especially for young people who are just starting their careers. Many feel the need to keep up with their peers and present an image of success, even if they struggle financially.

In addition to social pressure, there is also an economic incentive for individuals to present themselves as wealthy and successful. There is a strong correlation between social status and economic success in China. Those who are perceived to be successful are more likely to receive investment and funding opportunities, which can lead to further economic success.

Consequences of “Pretend Rich” Culture

The case study of the security guard who swindled money and affection from over 160 girlfriends illustrates the potential consequences of “pretend rich” culture. His actions led to significant financial loss, emotional distress for his victims, and legal repercussions for himself.

However, the consequences of this culture extend beyond just the individuals involved in this case. The perpetuation of false images of wealth and success can create a society where economic and social inequality is reinforced.

It can also create a culture where individuals feel pressure to engage in unethical and illegal behavior to maintain their false image of wealth and success. This can lead to a culture of fraud and deception, which undermines the trust and integrity of society as a whole.

Solutions

To address the issue of “pretend rich” culture in China, there needs to be a shift in societal values towards authenticity and integrity. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns that promote responsible spending and financial literacy.

Individuals must alsobe encouraged to value themselves for who they are, rather than for the image they present to the world. This can be achieved by promoting self-esteem and self-worth and celebrating individual achievements and accomplishments.

In addition, there needs to be greater accountability for individuals who engage in fraudulent and deceptive behaviour. This can be achieved through stricter enforcement of laws and regulations and greater public awareness of the consequences of such behaviour.

Conclusion

The case study of the security guard who swindled money and affection from over 160 girlfriends highlights a larger trend in China — the rise of “pretend rich” culture. This culture is driven by a desire to fit into a society that values status and wealth above all else, and it can have significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

There needs to be a shift in societal values towards authenticity and integrity to address this issue and greater accountability for those who engage in fraudulent and deceptive behaviour. Promoting responsible spending, financial literacy, and self-worth can create a more sustainable and authentic culture in China.