我爸是李刚 — My Dad Is Li Gang
What Does 我爸是李刚 Mean?
In October 2010, a drunk driver hit two students on a college campus. When stopped, he shouted 'My dad is Li Gang!' — referring to his father, a senior police official. The incident went massively viral and the phrase became the defining expression of '官二代' (children of officials) entitlement. It captured perfectly the sense that having a powerful parent made you untouchable in China.
Origin Story
October 16, 2010: Li Qiming drove drunk through Hebei University campus, injuring students. He continued to drive away, shouting '我爸是李刚' when stopped. The incident spread rapidly despite attempted suppression, becoming one of the defining social media moments of the era. Li Gang (the father) later publicly apologized in an awkward press conference.
Cultural Context
The phrase crystallized anxieties about nepotism, official privilege, and the gap between ordinary citizens and the politically connected class. '官二代' and '富二代' (children of the wealthy) were already discussed, but '我爸是李刚' gave these anxieties a specific, unforgettable face. The incident and phrase appeared in speeches, art, and protest until they were censored.
Similar Expressions in English
Like 'Do you know who my father is?' in English — but with specific Chinese social context about official privilege. Related to 'old boy network' and 'born on third base' concepts, but more specifically about government power than wealth.
How Is It Used?
Chinese Explanation (中文解释)
2010年一名官员之子肇事逃逸时喊出"我爸是李刚"，成为官二代嚣张跋扈、依仗权势的代名词。