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A photo of a woman holding a cardboard sign listing her academic achievements and skills has gone viral on Chinese social media, sparking widespread debate about education, employment, and societal expectations.
The sign reads:
"Begging!
Peking University undergraduate, University of Toronto PhD graduate. From a 985 university, QS Top 30. Proficient in 20th-century European philosophy, existentialism, structuralism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, modern Japanese literature, and the history of third-level logic. Part-time expertise in phenomenology, Chinese super-theory, social mass commentary, critical theory, and Lacanian studies."
The woman’s credentials, including a PhD from a prestigious overseas university and an undergraduate degree from Peking University, have drawn both admiration and criticism. Many netizens were quick to weigh in on her academic background and the challenges facing philosophy graduates in China.
One user commented, “If this is real, I think she’s already found a career path. Becoming a social media influencer, teaching online courses, or writing articles are all viable options. Does employment have to mean working in academia or the public sector?”
Others noted the difficulty of finding jobs with a degree in philosophy. “A University of Toronto PhD - she could do well abroad,” one user wrote. Another added, “Philosophy PhDs are rare and challenging, but they’re also incredibly niche. Employment options are very limited, especially for Chinese graduates competing against native English speakers in this field.”
Some questioned the necessity of listing her academic pedigree. “A Peking University and University of Toronto graduate shouldn’t have to advertise ‘985, Double First-Class, QS Top 50’ on cardboard. It feels odd,” remarked one netizen. Another added, “The issue lies in her field. Beyond writing academic articles, her knowledge doesn’t seem applicable elsewhere.”
The viral image has also reignited conversations about China’s job market and societal expectations. Many lamented the hyper-competitive environment in which government jobs and academic positions are highly coveted. “The harsh reality is that countless people are scrambling for public sector jobs. Women, in particular, are under pressure to only marry someone within the system. This is the current state of society,” one comment read.
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