"Male students became programmers, female students became mothers"... Sexism controversy at elite Chinese university

According to The Financial News, a short film produced by a prestigious Chinese university ranked 47th in the world to celebrate its founding anniversary has sparked controversy. The film was later removed after accusations of sexism.
On April 6, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China released a short film titled "No 800 of Dongchuan Road" on March 31 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of its founding. The title is taken from the address of the university’s campus.
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of China’s top five universities and ranked 47th in this year’s QS World University Rankings.
The film opens with scenes of male students playing esports in their dormitory, while female students appear as members of a dance troupe. The controversy arose when the film went on to describe their futures.
The caption reads, "As time passed, the legend of the esports world became a programmer, and the star on stage became a mother," appearing on screen alongside the footage.

After the video was released, the female student who played the lead dancer voiced her anger. She said, "As an actress, I am really furious. While showing the professional development of a character, it suggests that women can only have the identity of 'mother.'"
The issue also became a hot topic of debate online.
One internet user asked, "What kind of review process did this go through at such a prestigious university?" and pointed out, "If everyone involved in this project, from the person who wrote the caption to the reviewers, thought this was acceptable, that is the biggest problem."
Another commenter said, "I am shocked by the low values of this university. It implies that female students who have studied for years are ultimately seen only as people who give birth to children."
There were also users who defended the film.
One person argued, "It was only trying to show the major changes that happen over time," adding, "Not all women are like that, but motherhood is also part of a woman’s identity. I don’t think it is a serious mistake."
As the controversy grew, the university issued an apology and deleted the video.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University stated, "Our short film drew intense attention due to careless review and production errors. We sincerely apologize," adding, "We have immediately withdrawn the film and have also apologized to the students who took part in its production."
y27k@fnnews.com Reporter Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter