Ai Wei Wei has an entire book filled with his online rants. Quite thick. I have not taken the time to read it (I am sure it will be interesting), but in recent years I have chosen to say less and observe more. It may be the effects of taking photos. Trying to stay invisible. It rarely works - I get asked a slew of questions by strangers quite often.
I think he [AIWW] has shown a unique side to himself, but his dialogue has been catered to appeal to a unique audience. In the past he has continuously discussed his fierce opposition to the Chinese government and political policies in general. For a country with billions of people, that can create a problem for those in power. His words have made him more popular than his art. He does not create the art himself (assistants, lots and lots of assistants) and has stated that he makes the work simple so that anyone can re-create it. It would be fair to say he is more of a celebrity or cult personality than anything. His life journey and experiences are more interesting than anything.
Ai Wei Wei recently held an Art Talk in Chicago to promote his new book and exhibition Trace. The man is quite goofy and silly. The person these serious 'art folks' are trying to portray is very unrealistic. Ai Wei Wei is not trying to start a political revolution or overthrow a system - he is sharing his thoughts, ideas, and life experiences and his are experiences resonate with millions. One must be wonder how, decades later, humanity is still facing the problems that Wei experienced at a young age? It is clear he focuses on the topics in his work simply not out of curiosity, but because they are part of who he is. Despite his struggles, he comes off as someone who is happy, humble, and grateful. American society spends significant amount of time arguing over topics that are irrelevant. Our actions towards humanity will be the only thing we will be remembered for.
America is so different and so bizarre. People are encouraged to speak their minds but rarely does anyone listen. No one has ever come up with a viable solution that can dissolve a problem. When you can profit off of people's opposition and anger, why would you strive to make an actual difference? Americans strive for action that benefits themselves and rarely think of how this could help their community.
I blame the ideology of capitalism. I often ask friends what would they do if they were suddenly blessed with a significant fortune. They can never give me a straight-forward answer. What would you do with all of the money? Honestly? Even a life of leisure has its limits. Ask someone in America for something that does not benefit them - you will quickly realize what type of person they are.