Talking About Yu Minhong, Tim, and Lei Jun: When Elite Expression Meets the Public’s Sense of Deprivation
When "We" Become "Them": A Reflection on Elite Voices and Public Backlash
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Introduction
Recently, three prominent figures — Yu Minhong, Tim (Film Hurricane), and Lei Jun — each found themselves trending online, only to be met with harsh criticism.
As someone who’s often cast as an “old elite,” I know the risks of writing about this. My inbox is already full of long critiques. I can almost hear the hashtags forming: “Here he goes defending them again.”
Still, when the heat is on, dignity comes from facing it head-on. So here’s my reflection on how not to be “that kind of old elite.”
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What Happened?
Each of the three public figures made comments that sparked controversy:
- Lei Jun compared the difficulty of running both a chip and car business to “supporting two kids through college.” He lamented constant online criticism and bias against Xiaomi.
- Tim staged a matchmaking skit, playing a character with modest credentials, only to be repeatedly dismissed by older women. His “father’s job: courier-related” line later fueled class-related speculation.
- Yu Minhong sent a heartfelt internal letter from Antarctica on the anniversary of New Oriental, speaking of “perseverance” in ice and snow while reflecting on past struggles.
Different contexts; same outcome — a storm of backlash.
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The Core Problem: Relative Deprivation
The tension stems from a clash: elite expressions vs. public feelings of deprivation.
In the past, these figures were admired:
- Yu Minhong taught us English and guided a generation.
- Tim was a creative young talent we watched grow online.
- Lei Jun was the business icon who made smartphones affordable, then tackled cars.
In times of opportunity, they were “one of us.”
But when growth slows, inequality widens, and anxiety grows, they’re recast as beneficiaries of the system — “one of them.”
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Public Reaction — In Their Words
> “I thought we were brothers, but you’re feasting while I’m starving — and you want my empathy?”
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> “A billionaire telling me life isn’t easy? Explain that profit margin, Lei.”
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> “So Tim’s dad runs a courier company? This wasn’t a poor romantic — it was a roleplay from privilege. Don’t treat us like NPCs.”
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> “Yu’s penguin photos come with life lessons while I sit at my desk? Clever — boiling chicken soup without any chickens.”
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Understanding Relative Deprivation
Relative deprivation isn’t about absolute poverty; it’s about comparisons that feel unfair:
- It doesn’t matter if office workers today live better than ancient emperors.
- What matters is whether I feel you have more than I think you should, compared to me.
What people long to hear:
- “What you lack, I also lack.”
- Or at least, “What you have, I also have.”
When that expectation breaks, empathy collapses.
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Lessons Learned
1. Personal Level
- Don’t assume your success is entirely your own making.
- See it as a product of the times — fortunate timing in a golden era.
Otherwise, trouble will come.
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2. Business Level
- Develop the skill of “managing up” — even with your own bosses.
- Avoid unnecessary public statements; let your best products speak.
Otherwise, big trouble will come.
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3. Societal Level
- Relieve social pressure by creating real upward mobility.
- If ordinary people can’t live well, nobody truly can.
Otherwise, exceptionally big trouble will come.
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The Closing Thought
When someone is held high for too long, they risk losing touch with the true temperature of reality.
That’s the sentence I’ve written down and placed on my desk — to read every morning and every night.
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A Tool for Bridging the Gap
For content creators seeking to connect with diverse audiences, platforms like AiToEarn官网 provide:
- Open-source, global AI-powered tools
- Multi-platform publishing (Douyin, Kwai, Bilibili, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X)
- Analytics for gauging audience response
By fostering authenticity and reach, such tools help prevent the drift between “us” and “them.”
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Reflection complete from this old fellow.
I welcome all criticism — and bow in respect.
