Kris Jenner's Rise as a Digital Icon in China

In a surprising development, young people in China are turning to American reality TV star Kris Jenner as a digital good luck charm to improve their career prospects. Faced with a challenging economic climate and a highly competitive job market, Gen Z social media users are adopting the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch’s “momager” persona to manifest their own success.

The #KrisJennerManifestation Trend

Jenner’s image is being digitally transformed into various aspirational figures – CEOs, doctors, and Ph.D. students – and is rapidly spreading across popular Chinese platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin. These images are often overlaid with dollar bills and accompanied by phrases like “Let’s manifest” and “Keep rich, stay slay,” reflecting users’ diverse career aspirations. The hashtag #KrisJennerManifestation has already garnered millions of views on Xiaohongshu.

More Than Just a Meme

For many, this trend is more than just a playful meme; it represents a genuine desire for good fortune in a society grappling with economic pressures and intense competition. Students and young professionals are seeking an advantage, hoping that channeling Jenner’s energy will boost their confidence and motivation.

A Shift Away From 'Lying Flat'

The popularity of Kris Jenner in China signifies a cultural shift away from the previously prevalent “lying flat” mindset. This concept, which involved minimizing effort, is being challenged by a renewed focus on ambition and self-improvement, embodied by the Jenner memes. This change demonstrates a belief in the power of manifestation and self-belief.

The 'Empress Dowager' and Jenner's Work Ethic

George Zhao, a student from Shandong province, views this manifestation not merely as a joke about Jenner’s wealth, but as a form of positive self-guidance. Chinese social media users have affectionately nicknamed Jenner the “Empress Dowager,” reflecting both her perceived power and respect for her relentless work ethic as a successful businesswoman – a quality highly valued in Chinese culture.

Part of a Broader Trend

While Jenner’s success is central, she is part of a larger trend of Chinese Gen Z seeking luck in various ways. This includes using phone cases featuring the Chinese god of wealth, sharing images of golden fish symbolizing prosperity, and visiting temples for success in career, studies, or relationships. Even images of Draco Malfoy from “Harry Potter” were used as decorations during the Year of the Horse.

Following in the Footsteps of Maye Musk

This isn’t the first time foreign women have been embraced as role models due to their business achievements. Maye Musk, the mother of Elon Musk, also enjoys a significant online following in China. Danica Lu, a computer science major, hopes to attract luck from Jenner, but acknowledges the continued importance of hard work.

Effort Remains Key

The Kris Jenner phenomenon offers a playful way to address anxieties about career and success, but it also serves as a reminder that individual effort remains crucial. This trend encapsulates how young people in China are navigating a complex socio-economic landscape, blending modern digital practices with traditional values and a hopeful outlook for the future.