Latest news with #FatCat
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
A video game on 'gold diggers' is fuelling a sexism debate in China
Some people online have suggested the game is inspired by the real-life story of a Chinese man, known as Fat Cat on the internet, who jumped to his death last year after a breakup. His death sparked an intense discussion online, where the term "gold digger" was liberally used, with some accusing his ex-girlfriend of exploiting him, leading him to take his life. Police have dismissed these allegations. Women who spoke to the BBC worry that the video game perpetuates problematic gender norms in China, where society believes women belong at home, while seeing men as the primary breadwinners. So for women, marrying well has traditionally been perceived as more important than professional success. Official rhetoric from the male-dominated Chinese Communist Party endorses this - President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called on women to embrace their roles as "good wives and mothers". The government has also cracked down on a growing pool of activists demanding gender equality. "I feel a game like that merely fans hostility between men and women," says one woman who did not want to be named, fearing hostility online. "It casts women, once again, as the inferior gender who have to somehow find ways to please men to earn their livelihoods."
Politico
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pride, politics and power
Happy Monday, Illinois. We're getting to that lazy-day-of-summer feeling. TOP TALKER Chicago's political glitterati sipped coffee and side-eyed their rivals at the Fat Cat diner Sunday morning during a buzzy pre-Pride Parade reception — an affair that took on a political tone after two headline-grabbing U.S. Supreme Court decisions rattled Illinois Democrats. The high court's rulings — one green-lighting religious exemptions from LGBTQ+-themed schoolbooks, the other reining in federal judges' ability to block policies impacting birthright citizenship — cast a shadow over the annual celebration. 'I remember marching 30 years ago when this was a protest. Then it became a celebration. Unfortunately, this administration is taking us backwards,' Gov. JB Pritzker told your Playbook host. Illinois Atty Gen. Kwame Raoul didn't mince words either, saying he's more focused than ever on litigation challenging the court's ruling affecting birthright citizenship. 'We need a nationwide injunction to get complete relief,' Raoul said, pointedly. 'You can't say, 'You're a U.S. citizen in Illinois but not in Missouri.' That doesn't make sense.' The Fat Cat vibe: Think Manny's Deli on Election Day but with a crowd of political candidates dressed in colorful parade attire and wearing comfortable shoes. There was political intrigue: Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson entered and exited from opposite ends of the restaurant — no glad-handing, no eye contact, not even a shared selfie opp. Coincidence or careful choreography? And with the 2026 election cycle already casting its long shadow, the real game on Sunday was more 'strategic avoidance' than parade prep. U.S. Senate candidates Juliana Stratton, Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi were all spotted working the room — but notably steering clear of each other. In politics, proximity is power. On Sunday, distance said more. RELATED How another Supreme Court case has changed Illinois: 'The political action committee that for decades supported candidates who back abortion rights in Illinois — making the state a haven for reproductive choice — is taking its political playbook to red states, including Indiana and Arkansas, which virtually ban the procedure,' via your Playbook host. Chris Murphy calls birthright citizenship ruling 'dangerous,' by POLITICO's Cheyanne M. Daniels Activists say celebrations are more critical as U.S., conservative states such as Indiana rescind LGBTQ+ protections, by the Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos At Pride Parade, Chicagoans show support for LGBTQ+ community: 'It's more important than ever,' by Block Club's Charles Thrush and Jake Cox THE BUZZ NEW TODAY: The Democratic National Committee is ramping up efforts to build up the party brand this summer by holding events in 35 targeted districts across the country, including in Illinois. Watch for voter-registration drives — something the DNC has for years left up to nonprofits — and mobilizing thousands of volunteers to engage in social media and local community groups to promote the party's initiatives. The goal of 'Organizing Summer,' as the campaign is called, is to create authentic conversations in non-political spaces, both within volunteers' personal networks and in their communities. Watch for discussions to pop up in sports forums, community groups, book clubs and on social media platforms, echoing the hyper-local campaign efforts that Barack Obama made in his early presidential campaigns. 'We're going to be at concerts, county fairs and sporting events,' said a person familiar with the plans. WHERE'S JB At the 555 West Monroe state offices at 9:30 a.m. to sign into law college access and affordability bills that will support high school students across Illinois WHERE's BRANDON At Malcolm X College at 6 p.m. for a 2026 budget roundtable Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — 'I don't shy away from a fight': Pritzker's run for atypical third term fits unprecedented times: Asked if his decision would have been different if former Vice President Kamala Harris had defeated Trump, Pritzker said he did not think so, but reemphasized that 'in this moment, it feels like walking away is the wrong thing to do given who is in the White House and given how this administration is attacking people all across this country,' via Lee Enterprises' Brenden Moore. — More intrigue on who Pritzker might pick as his No. 2: Along with Deputy Gov. Andy Manar, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, former Deputy Gov. Christian Mitchell and Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, who we mentioned earlier this month, state Rep. Lisa Hernandez's name has popped up, by the Tribune's Olivia Olander and Rick Pearson. — Jessica Vasquez, recently appointed as Cook County commissioner for the 8th District, launched her campaign over the weekend to run for a full four-year term in 2026. The campaign launch follows an early fundraising effort in which she raised more than $13,000 in small donations. 'I'm a daughter of this district. I was born and raised here,' she said in a statement. 'I'm committed to protecting our immigrant communities, defending access to affordable housing, and delivering the bold, compassionate leadership our communities deserve.' ILLINOIS' POPE — Pope Leo looks to MAGA megadonors to shore up Church finances: 'Wealthy American conservatives hint they're ready to cough up again to rescue the scandal-ridden Church from going broke,' by POLITICO's Ben Munster, Hannah Roberts and Megan Messerly. THE STATEWIDES — Pritzker says Illinois needs to address 'property tax problem' in coming years: 'It's not just a one-time solution, it's something that requires us to increase investment in education, that is the biggest problem. You get your property tax bill, most of that is paying for education locally,' Pritzker said at a campaign stop last week, via Peoria Journal Star's JJ Bullock. — Illinois' gas tax goes up this week, by NBC 5 — Law taking effect July 1 in Indiana creates the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, by News 25's Howard Packowitz CHICAGO — Median sales price of a Chicago home is $390,000: 'The latest housing report from the Chicago Association of Realtors found the median sales price of a Chicago home in May increased about 8 percent year over year,' by the Sun-Times' Mariah Rush. — Mayor's 'pending' Springfield lobbyist team draws ethics questions: 'We couldn't have them declare that they were under contract with the city if the contracts weren't finally approved,' the mayor's new lead Springfield IGA director, John Arena, said. 'So it was kind of a catch-22, but because they were already under contract with a client … we were going to exchange information that was relevant to those particular fields,' by the Tribune's Alice Yin, Jeremy Gorner and A.D. Quig. — A once-resplendent bandstand in Garfield Park is getting the $2M restoration it deserves, by the Sun-Times' Lee Bey — City outlines safety protocols for Damen Silos demolition, by the Sun-Times' Cindy Hernandez — The rodents of Chicago are evolving in real time, scientists say, by Elizabeth Rayne for Popular Mechanics — PAC launched by Paul Vallas is behind texts slamming Mayor Johnson and some progressive aldermen for their 'snap curfew' vote, by the Triibe's Tonia Hill — Opinion: Decision to get rid of the tipped minimum wage is leading to more restaurants closing, according to a Tribune editorial COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Sharp drop in arrests, other long-term crime trends shown in new Cook County data dashboard: 'What we've been seeing for a decade is a shift in thinking about how we respond to crime,' said David Olson of Loyola's Center for Criminal Justice, by the Tribune's Madeline Buckley. — Plainfield monument dedicated to slain 6-year-old Palestinian American, by Shaw Local's Denise M. Baran-Unland — Back story| Why MLK came to DuPage County in 1967: The Civil Rights leader visited a 'tent-in' protest against construction of an atomic energy accelerator in Weston where Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory would be built, by the Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith. — Campton Hills in Kane County ranked among best small towns, via Travel & Leisure TAKING NAMES — Raul Garza, CEO of Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness, has been unanimously elected chair of the Cook County Health System board of directors. Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry was elected vice chair. Reader Digest We asked what music you like listening to outdoors. Denise Barreto: 'Caribbean Soca beats are synonymous with sun and heat.' Lee Blackwell: 'Common and Chance the Rapper, both speaking out through their music and telling their stories, both from Chicago, rooted in Chicago, and both always giving so much back to Chicago. To hear them outside together on a fall evening would be my dream come true.' Ted Cox: 'David Murray's 'Shakill's Warrior' is greasy good jazz, with Don Pullen on the Hammond B-3, and my default for barbecuing ribs.' Phillip Crivellone: 'The Allman Brothers Band always sets the tone.' Christopher Deutsch: 'Super chill electronic music without lyrics. Artists such as Tycho, Com Truise & Lights Out Asia are my top recommendations.' Henry Haupt: 'Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers!' Carlton Hull: 'Rhythm and blues.' Jarod Hitchings: 'Roy Orbison is my go-to while swimming laps in the pool.' Jim Lyons: 'Classic rock.' Dan Mattoon: 'The Beach Boys.' Jeff Nathan: 'The Byrds.' Timothy Powell: 'A Grateful Dead concert, which lasts about the same length as my daily bike ride.' Gail Purkey: 'Soul, R&B.' Enza Raineri: 'Bruce Springsteen or the Beach Boys.' Timothy Thomas: 'The late Al Jarreau on the Sirius XM playlist.' Bill Utter: 'Anything under the Ravinia Pavilion.' Corrine Williams: 'Country music.' Steven Zaris: 'Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty's solo work.' NEXT QUESTION: What's your favorite beach? THE NATIONAL TAKE — Canada drops digital tax that angered Trump to resume U.S. trade talks, by POLITICO's Yurii Stasiuk — Trump won't let other countries score big 'wins' in trade talks. Both sides could lose, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers and Megan Messerly — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis denounces GOP megabill's Medicaid cuts in fiery speech, by POLITICO's Mia McCarthy and Jordain Carney — Trump tried to fire them, but some Democratic appointees are still on the job, by POLITICO's Hassan Ali Kanu EVENTS — Tuesday: A book launch for 'Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre.' Details here TRIVIA FRIDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that Route 66 starts at the intersection of Adams Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. That's where the historic marker is located, though the Mother Road, as it's called, originally began on Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue. The Tribune featured a Route 66 story over the weekend. TODAY's QUESTION: What was the first school in Illinois to retire a Native American-themed mascot? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cook County Circuit Court Judge Linda Perez, Wilmette Trustee Mike Lieber, Worth Township Clerk Eamon McMahon, former state Rep. Dave Winters, lobbyist John Kelly, Executives' Club of Chicago CEO Dorri McWhorter, Governor's Office Senior Policy Adviser Emily Miller, political strategist Norm Sterzenbach and Democratic activist Paul Jones -30-
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
China's Revenge On Gold Diggers video game fuels sexism debate
Revenge On Gold Diggers, a full-motion video interactive game, is now among the country's top 10 best-selling titles on Steam. PHOTO: REUTERS BEIJING – One of China's best-selling new games has renewed a debate around sensitive gender issues in a country grappling with plunging marriage rates. Revenge On Gold Diggers, a full-motion video interactive game, soared to the top of Steam's revenue charts in China since its launch a week ago. Selling at US$6 (S$7.65) apiece, it is now among the country's top 10 best-selling titles on the PC platform, surpassing enduring hits like Black Myth: Wukong and Baldur's Gate 3. Developed by a little-known indie studio, the game unfolds as a series of choose-your-own-adventure episodes, where the player acts as a male protagonist interacting with five women. The female characters range from a live-streamer to a coffee shop barista, each of them exploiting their male counterparts for money. One of the women in the game boasts about her manipulation by saying, 'He's more obedient than a dog.' These storylines have stirred controversy on China's social networks, with critics slamming the game as a sexist fantasy. The developer responded by renaming the title to the more palatable Emotional Fraud Simulator while keeping all content intact. Opinions have been split. A state newspaper in Beijing opined this week that the game helps 'creatively strengthen young people's awareness of safety in romantic relationships', with other official outlets reposting the sentiment. Marriage numbers in China have been falling for most of the past decade and plunged to a record low last year – compounding a demographic crisis that's proliferating across the world's second-largest economy. Facing job insecurity and uncertain futures, young people are finding solace in things like video games, pet ownership and trendy collectibles like Labubu. Revenge On Gold Diggers has also been compared by Chinese social-media users and local media such as Sixth Tone with a recent real-life tragedy. In 2024 , a young gaming influencer nicknamed 'Fat Cat' killed himself and the internet attacked his girlfriend. A legion of Chinese indie games studios are trying to make it on Steam in the romance simulation genre, after 2024's surprise hit Love Is All Around. Featuring live-action footage, these games typically portray a male protagonist romantically pursuing multiple women and offer varying endings based on a player's dialogue choices. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
China's 'Revenge on Gold Diggers' video game fuels sexism debate
As marriage numbers in China plunged to a record low last year, a game that paints its female characters as gold diggers exploiting their male counterparts for money has stirred controversy online. — Photo by Gigi on Unsplash One of China's best-selling new games has renewed a debate around sensitive gender issues in a country grappling with plunging marriage rates. Revenge On Gold Diggers , a full-motion video interactive game, soared to the top of Steam's revenue charts in China since its launch a week ago. Selling at US$6 (RM25) apiece, it's now among the country's top 10 best-selling titles on the PC platform, surpassing enduring hits like Black Myth: Wukong and Baldur's Gate 3 . Developed by a little-known indie studio, the game unfolds as a series of choose-your-own-adventure episodes, where the player acts as a male protagonist interacting with five women. The female characters range from a live-streamer to a coffee shop barista, each of them exploiting their male counterparts for money. One of the women in the game boasts about her manipulation by saying, "He's more obedient than a dog.' These storylines have stirred controversy on China's social networks, with critics slamming the game as a sexist fantasy. The developer responded by renaming the title to the more palatable Emotional Fraud Simulator while keeping all content intact. Opinions have been split. A state newspaper in Beijing opined this week that the game helps "creatively strengthen young people's awareness of safety in romantic relationships', with other official outlets reposting the sentiment. Marriage numbers in China have been falling for most of the past decade and plunged to a record low last year – compounding a demographic crisis that's proliferating across the world's second-largest economy. Facing job insecurity and uncertain futures, young people are finding solace in things like video games, pet ownership and trendy collectibles like Labubu. Revenge On Gold Diggers has also been compared by Chinese social-media users and local media such as Sixth Tone with a recent real-life tragedy. Last year, a young gaming influencer nicknamed "Fat Cat' killed himself and the Internet attacked his girlfriend. A legion of Chinese indie games studios are trying to make it on Steam in the romance simulation genre, after 2024's surprise hit Love Is All Around . Featuring live-action footage, these games typically portray a male protagonist romantically pursuing multiple women and offer varying endings based on a player's dialogue choices. – Bloomberg
West Australian
02-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Fat Cat hits the South West to raise money for Telethon at grand opening of the Bunbury Spudshed
The grocery store aisles were packed this week as Fat Cat and the Spud King walked through Bunbury's newest supermarket. Fat Cat hit the South West last week to raise money for Telethon alongside Tony Galati at the grand opening of the Bunbury Spudshed. Opening it's doors on May 29, the new store saw hundreds of shopping make their way down the aisles to browse the selections while the crowds outside enjoyed sausage sizzles and selfies drumming up donations for Telethon. The new store is set to deliver farm-fresh produce straight from Galati family farms to Bunbury, open 24/7. Founder of Spudshed and potato monarch Tony Galati said the opening went 'really well' and likely raised thousands for Telethon, with past store openings often raising more than $40,000. 'We always try our best,' Mr Galati said. 'We support telethon every year, and what we have done here is provided a bag of potatoes — four kilos for a dollar — and all the proceeds go to telethon.' Mr Galati said he was happy to be part of Bunbury and proud of the staff who have set up the colossal new store. 'The people at the out here are great,' he said. 'I'd like to thank all the people from Bunbury that have come down to support us, and we'll be open 24 hours from now on and have these great specials to make food affordable.'
