Wang Shuo

One of the most popular and controversial cynics in contemporary China is Wang Shuo (王朔), whose novels depict the "hooligan" (流氓) culture of smooth-talking loafers, schemers, womanizers, small-time criminals, and alienated urban youth.

Unlike their elder brothers and sisters, former Red Guards once driven by ideological mission, they reject any talk of ideals. Hypocrisy and cheekiness are Wang Shuo's hallmarks.

Foremost on the minds of Wang's heroes are sex and easy money. But though they live on the edge of lawlessness, they are not driven by evil. For instance, they will give up their seats on the bus to old ladies.

Wang has tens of millions of fans who relish his coarse language and his masterful use of revolutionary slogans to depict the absurdities in contemporary China. In one of this books, a prostitute defended her profession by claiming that she was merely "serving the masses."

Wang is as critical of the intellectuals as he is of the authorities. "I hate people with a sense of mission" is one of his famous quotes.