The Chinese government in it’s continued crackdown on culture, business and social mores have this time around called for a ban on what it termed “effeminate men” or men with girlish look.
The edict is part of President Xi Jinping’s call for a “national rejuvenation,” with business and the public under orders to align with his vision for China.
According to moguldom.com, the onslaught reflects official concern in the communist government that Chinese pop stars, influenced by the sleek, fashionable look of some South Korean K-pop singers and actors and Japanese artists are failing to encourage China’s young men to be masculine enough.
The Chinese regulator said broadcasters should avoid promoting “vulgar internet celebrities” and admiration of wealth and celebrity. Instead, programs should “vigorously promote excellent Chinese traditional culture, revolutionary culture and advanced socialist culture.”
The government added that broadcasters should also avoid performers who “violate public order” or have “lost morality.” Programs about the children of celebrities are also banned.
In the wake of the ban, the microblogging platform Weibo Corp suspended thousands of accounts for fan clubs and entertainment news, while a popular actress, Zhao Wei, disappeared from streaming platforms without explanation.
Zhao’s name has since been removed from credits of movies and TV programs.
Another actress, Zheng Shuang, was fined 299 million yuan ($46 million) last week on tax evasion charges. It was considered a warning to celebrities to be positive role models. Xi’s government has also been tightening control over Chinese internet industries after it launched anti-monopoly, data security and other enforcement actions. Targeted companies included games and social media provider Tencent Holding and e-commerce giant Alibaba Group.
The ruling party worries these companies are too big and independent.
Alibaba founder and CEO Jack Ma faced antitrust scrutiny from the Chinese government over his $456.57 billion-market-cap company. Ma hasn’t been seen since the beginning of 2021 and is rumored to be in hiding.
The Chinese government has reduced children’s access to online games. New rules limit anyone under 18 years old to three hours per week of online games and prohibit the playing of online games on school days.
Game developers are also required to submit new titles for government approval before they are released. Officials have called on them to add nationalistic themes.
