The US Treasury last week announced that starting in 2020 a woman will be gracing the $10 bill. No word yet on who the lady in question will be; the American public has been invited to weigh in on which historical figure they'd like to see on their money.
Of course, we all know it was the Chinese who invented paper money (along with gunpowder and goldfish). And so we think it’s only fitting that the PRC not fall behind the American imperialists in giving women the highest honor a capitalist country could bestow upon a citizen: representation on currency.
These are the Chinese heroines we think would look damn fierce in a Mao suit emblazoned on the front of a 100 yuan note.
1. Mulan
The OG woman warrior who selflessly served in her father's stead was first immortalized in a sixth century ballad before Disney made her an animated princess. Mulan will be getting the live-action Hollywood treatment soon, too. Perfect timing for a promotional tie-in with Chinese currency.
2. Qiu Jin
One of Chinese history's most badass bitches, this early twentieth century revolutionary was executed by authorities after withstanding torture.
3. Soong May-ling
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Chiang Kai-shek’s charismatic, American-educated wife was instrumental in rallying US support for China during the Japanese invasion and was described in the press as the "most powerful woman in the world," "the real brains and boss of the Chinese government," and "China's best ambassador."
4. Empress Dowager Cixi
A controversial pick, for sure, but in recent years, the woman behind the throne for almost five decades has come in for more favorable re-evaluation by historians. Cersei Lannister, eat your heart out.
5. Emma Stone
Just in case you forget, every time you open your wallet, you can be reminded that the flame-haired Hollywood star is part-Chinese now.
Photos by Erik Crouch
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