China bans effeminate men on television and orders broadcasters to promote “revolutionary culture” on Thursday. Thereby, expanding a campaign to tighten corporate and societal control and enforce official morals
President Xi Jinping has called for a “national rejuvenation,” according to the New York Times. Business, education, culture, and religion are all under tighter Communist Party supervision. Companies and the general public have to forcefully comply with the government’s goal. The goal is a stronger China and a healthy society.
The party has limited children’s access to internet gaming and is attempting to curb what it considers unhealthy celebrity worship.
Broadcasters must “resolutely put an end to sissy men and other abnormal esthetics,” the National Radio and TV Administration stated, using an offensive slang term for effeminate men — “Niang pao,” or literally, “girlie guns.”
The main concern is that Chinese pop stars inspire by some of the sleek, stylish looks of some South Korean and Japanese singers and actresses. Hence, they are failing to persuade China’s young men to be sufficiently macho. Thus, China bans effeminate men who they think are not manly enough for tv.
Broadcasters should desist from promoting “vulgar internet celebrities” and admiration of wealth and celebrity, the regulator said. Instead, programs should “vigorously promote excellent Chinese traditional culture, revolutionary culture and advanced socialist culture.”
China’s internet industries
In addition, Xi’s administration is tightening its grip on China’s internet industries.
It has undertaken antimonopoly, data security, and other enforcement proceedings against firms. It includes Tencent Holdings, which provides gaming, and e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, which the governing party fears are too big and autonomous. The new rules limit anyone under the age of 18 to three hours of internet gaming each week. Also, prohibit play on school days. Before new games release, game makers have to submit them to the government for approval. Officials have requested that they incorporate nationalistic sentiments.
In addition, the party is tightening its grip on celebrities. Broadcasters should avoid entertainers who “violate public order” or have “lost morality,” the regulator said. Programs about celebrities’ children also are banned.
Weibo Corp., a microblogging site, suspended thousands of accounts for fan clubs and entertainment news on Saturday.
Zhao Wei, a famous actress, has mysteriously vanished from streaming services. Her name is now not there in film and television credits.
According to the directive issued on Thursday, broadcasters must limit pay for performers and also eliminate contract conditions that could allow them to cheat taxes.
Last week, another actress, Zheng Shuang, was penalized 299 million yuan ($46 million) for tax cheating. It sends a strong message to celebrities to be constructive role models.