As I see it | China’s crackdown on pop idols and sissy men forgets that harmony is a socialist value too
- It is doubtful whether the move against internet celebrities and their fan clubs is necessary or even workable. Just ask ‘fans’ of the humble glass noodle
- The diversity genie cannot be put back in the bottle. Chinese regulators are out of touch with the young and demonising celebrities only widens the gap
According to an eight-point plan issued by the National Radio and Television Administration last Thursday, vulgar internet celebrities, “sissy men” and pop idols who wear make-up or whose speech and behaviour have gone against “public order and morals” should be phased out.
“Idol audition shows” and the encouragement of malicious “fandom culture” should also be boycotted, according to the plan aimed at “regulating arts and entertainment shows and related personnel” and emphasising “traditional Chinese culture, revolution culture and socialist culture”.
Acknowledging that some fan groups had turned “irrational” and “unhealthy”, Chinese microblogging website Weibo took down its influential Star Power List, a billboard chart for trending celebrities.
Video-streaming platform iQiyi said it would stop airing its popular idol talent shows, and pledged to be “responsible as a platform, resist bad influences, and maintain a healthy and clean internet for users”.