Protesting With Math Equations

Students at Tsinghua University protest with the Friedmann equations

Nathan Law 羅冠聰 @nathanlawkc

Students from the elite school Tsinghua University protested with Friedmann equation. I have no idea what this equation means, but it does not matter. It's the pronunciation: it's similar to "free的man" (free man)—a spectacular and creative way to express, with intelligence.

They’re called the Friedmann equations.

The meaning of the equations is not that important.

What matters is the pronunciation.

“Freed man.”

(Or possibly “free的man.” 的 is the character you use to mark possession, like ‘s in English.)

In China there are countless ways people have dodged the censors, and countless ways censors have tried to reign them in. There are way too many examples to list, but see here, here, here, here, and here.

Some have also suggested the students are using the Friedmann equations because the equations describe the rate of expansion of the universe and its vast openness. That it’s a symbolic way of telling the Chinese government to “open up,” a protest against Chinese lockdown measures. It’s definitely plausible.

I’d be remiss not to mention the most powerful, poignant protest, the one that’s everywhere in China right now.

白纸—Nothing more than a blank sheet of white paper.

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Link Dump

Coverage of the Friedmann equation protests:

• Language Log

• Vice

• Hindustan Times