The 'Goddess Ivanka’ is adored by young Chinese women

Wang Ge, 26, a student at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing, is an ardent worshipper of Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump. She models her day on Ms. Trump’s, waking at 6 a.m. to increase productivity and setting aside at least a half-hour to read. She often asks herself, “What would Ivanka do?” In English speaking countries, when you are faced with a difficult choice, you say, “What would Jesus do?”

She tells burned-out friends to read Ms. Trump’s self-help tips. “She’s pretty, she has her own career, she’s hardworking and she has a beautiful family,” said Ms. Wang.

While Mr. Trump who is bluntly assailing China on issues like trade and North Korea is not popular, Ivanka is called a “goddess” on social media and adored by many young Chinese women as a role model, the New York Times said on Wednesday. A mobile app offers her self-help guides, while some Chinese companies make profit by using her name — Yi Wan Ka in Chinese — on products and services such as shoes, spa treatments, plastic surgery and pottery.

Then why is Ms. Trump loved so much in China unlike her father? The New York Times said, “Her lavish lifestyle and business acumen resonate with many young professionals who are hungry for fame and fortune in a society that often equates material wealth with success.”

The newspaper also said that some also believe Ms. Trump embodies Confucian values, pointing to her decision to convert to Judaism for her husband and her steadfast defense of her father, both seen as illustrations of a devotion to family. Some view her family as a dynasty.

Some China experts claim that Ms. Trump has helped soften her father’s volcanic image. However, many criticize that Ivanka reflects the distorted desire of Chinese young people in their 20s and 30s who are only interested in material success.

Wan-Jun Yun zeitung@donga.com