In Chinese net-speak, “striking bricks” (拍砖) is a concept similar to flaming – commenters write posts directing their fury at someone or something.
Popular portal NetEase is running a contest for World Cup website designs. One of the entrants has set up a special site for netizens to complain about the World Cup by “striking bricks.” From the FAQ:
Q: Why should I strike bricks?
A: Because even though you have love, you certainly have hate. Because there’s beauty in the World Cup, but there’s definitely ugliness too. Because love must be uttered, and hate must be beaten.
Q: When I was young, my teacher said that good children shouldn’t beat bricks.
A: First, teachers are not necessarily correct, and second, good children shouldn’t beat other good children. Your teacher also said that you must persevere in opposing evil, right?
Q: This brick-striking, is there a technique to it?
A: This matter has been recorded in literature and the arts. Actually, what you need first is to give a straightforward expression to the fire burning in your chest. At the same time, brick-striking needs attention to manpower and collaboration. Can a lonely beating possibly match the feeling of a group of people hurling ten thousand bricks at a target? Here’s a tip: if you make your reason for brick-striking a little more attractive, you will infect the people around you into joining your team!
Q: I feel that my hands are covered in blood.
A: Hallucination. It’s just a hallucination.
Japan’s football team is currently a popular target, while Super Girl Li Yuchun, game announcers, and CCTV itself also make showings.
Update: Proper attribution corrected by Wang Xiaoguang, one of the site’s authors.
- NetEase (Chinese): 2006 World Cup Brick Site