One comedian finds himself unwittingly on the end of it
His joke was recorded and posted on Weibo, a social-media platform. Nationalists claimed he was comparing theto dogs. Outrage built. Hashtags about the joke received over a billion views. Within days Beijing’s police had started an investigation. They have not said what Mr Li will be charged with, but he has already been banned from performing.
The uproar around Mr Li’s joke sounds absurd. But it is just the latest example of a toxic loop between China’s angry nationalists and its paranoid authorities. Someone unwittingly insults China. Bloggers denounce the mistake. State-run media weigh in to attack the offender. Authorities punish them. Tougher standards are set for what isSeveral well-known figures have fallen victim to this cycle in recent years.
The chilling effect is particularly visible in the entertainment industry. Comedians urge audience members not to record their shows. Performing abroad is not safe either. Wang Yuechi, a comedian who toured North America this year, has been deleted from Chinese social-media platforms because of politically sensitive material in his shows there. Wary venues ask performers to submit their jokes or songs in advance for approval. Industry associations urge actors and musicians to be more patriotic.
In response, performers self-censor and pledge to spread “positive energy”. But the government still keeps a close eye. One Shanghai district sends volunteers to theatres. They are trained in “political awareness” and must report anything untoward. One described how she follows the approved version of a play’s script on her mobile phone to be sure actors are sticking to their lines. “I can’t relax, for fear of missing something,” she told state media. The stress is worth it, though, she says.
If people think things are going too far, it is hard for them to say so. Hu Xijin, a well-known nationalist commentator, denounced Mr Li’s dog joke, but said he should be given another chance. Mr Hu was scolded for being too soft. One woman in the coastal city of Dalian was bold enough to defend Mr Li on social media. She was detained by police.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
TikToker Drew Afualo Is Calling Out Misogynists, One Video at a TimeAs long as men are terrible online, TikTok star DrewAfualo will have work. 'It's like the most aggressive form of job security'
Read more »
Marcus Smart Feels ‘Very Good' About Game 4: ‘Don't Let Us Get One'The Celtics are one more loss away from being swept from the Eastern Conference Finals, but they sound pretty loose and confident entering Tuesday night’s must-win Game 4 against the Heat.
Read more »
Manitou Mattoc is Back, one 110-150mm MTB fork for everything from XC to All-MountainManitou is calling their new Mattoc mountain bike fork “The People’s Fork” because in an age of MTB specialization, this is a single fork for that can cover pretty much all of the disciplines that most mountain bikers actually ride.
Read more »
Lizzo basically has two haircuts in one right nowIt's, like… half of a bob? 🤨
Read more »
Preston ranked number one place to raise a familyA walk in Avenham and Miller Park Pic: Tony Worrall Preston has been ranked as the best city or town in the county to raise a family. Research by MoneySu
Read more »
Pinch of Nom visiting Liverpool ONE with Air Fryer up for grabsThere will be an 'extra special item' placed in the city centre for fans to look for
Read more »