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| “Don’t Let Boys Defeat You” – Wang Anyu’s Quote Resurfaces and Sparks Online Praise (Weibo) |
“I hope girls will not be influenced by male chauvinism. Women should still have their own ideas,” Wang said back then.
Not just a throwaway line – this was a thoughtful, clear statement that challenged some of the quiet norms still lurking in modern society. For context: male chauvinism, or the belief that men should naturally dominate in power or decision-making, isn’t just old-school – it’s also the kind of mindset that quietly limits a woman’s choices without her even realising it. Wang’s message? Not having it.
🧒 Girls Deserve Their Own Path – and He Meant That
He didn’t stop there. Wang Anyu encouraged young girls to build confidence early, stressing the importance of academic and personal growth – “Girls’ self-awareness should be cultivated from a young age. You should work hard to get better grades than the boys in your class. There is nothing you can’t compare to.”
It’s not just about competition. It’s about reminding girls they don’t need to shrink themselves to fit into someone else’s mould – especially not the one society often hands out to them.
In a later interview, Wang Anyu clarified what real respect means: seeing every individual as independent, capable of making their own choices, without being boxed in by gender roles or ‘protection’ disguised as control.
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👏 Netizens Are Eating It Up (Again)
The quote’s resurfacing sparked a Weibo comment fest, with users praising his mature take and the fact that a male celebrity would even say this aloud in the first place.
Some highlights:
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“People who respect women deserve support.”
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“Is Wang Anyu encouraging girls to break free from old thinking? Love that.”
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“That’s beautifully said. Be yourself. Always.”
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“I’ve always said being handsome is the least impressive thing about him.”
There’s genuine warmth in these reactions – and for good reason. While some male stars stick to ‘safe’ public lines, Wang dared to say something that has weight. And more importantly, it’s consistent with how he’s behaved in other areas.
📺 His Actions Match His Words
Fans are quick to point out that Wang’s not just talk. Back in his uni days, he ran a real-name QQ account to give free entrance exam advice to art school hopefuls. Nickname? “Buss.” Style? Straight to the point. No fluff, just help.
And when it comes to his onscreen roles – from the supportive boyfriend in A Long House Alley (小巷人家) to the emotionally grounded leads in dramas like Chasing the Light (炽道) – he’s often playing men who don’t need to dominate to be strong. Instead, they uplift the women beside them, split responsibilities fairly, and treat respect like a given, not a reward.
Even on variety shows like Divas Hit the Road (花儿与少年), where he occasionally showed a bit of Type-A energy, most fans chalk it up to leadership instinct rather than control issues – not the same as what he’s actively pushing back against.
🎓 More Than a Pretty Face – A Voice for Fairness
What stands out about Wang Anyu is how his words, roles, and early actions all seem to line up. In an industry where image control can be everything, his support for girls' independence and criticism of gender bias feels refreshingly sincere.
Scholars and social commentators have noted how men publicly advocating for women’s empowerment helps dismantle subtle, systemic prejudice – not just the loud, obvious kind. Wang’s message may sound simple, but it’s tapping into a much larger movement of Gen Z Chinese youth rethinking gender, power, and the freedom to live authentically.
Whether you’re a fan of his dramas or not, it’s hard not to respect the stance: girls should be seen, heard, and taken seriously – not shaped to fit someone else’s version of who they should be. In a world still catching up to equality, voices like Wang Anyu’s matter.
And the cherry on top? He’s showing young male fans how to be allies without making it about themselves. Now that’s worth going viral for.