http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/china/120104/china-cuts-entertainment-tv
The Chinese government recently decided to take two-thirds of television shows off of the air as a result of "excessive entertainment". Instead of the popular TV shows, the time will be filled extended news bulletins, as well as programs promoting socialist core values and traditional virtues. Now obviously if this kind of action took place in the US, then everyone would freak out and there would be mass chaos.
The new rules that were put in place were as follows:
" The total number of entertainment shows aired daily by the 34 channels between 7:30 PM and 10 PM is restricted to nine. For each channel, only two entertainment programs are allowed in a week, and will be limited to 90 minutes each. The new directive does not give a definition for entertainment shows or to what extent they will be considered excessive, but lists match-making shows, game shows, talk shows, talent shows and reality shows as its primary targets."
As big of couch potatos that we Americans are, the Chinese have the biggest television audience in the world. The Communist Party claimed that they're helping the citizens of China and the changes are going to make them happier people and make their country look stronger. Personally, I feel like this doesn't make them look any better and they're just trying to brainwash the people in a way. On one hand, it's not a bad thing to try to rid of brain cell killing shows (ie. like our Jersey Shore), but the people should also get to make their own decisions.
What's your reaction to this article? Do you think they've taken a step too far or is this not very surprising?
I heard about this!
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know why...by I'm sort of torn on this issue. On one hand, it could be good because TV is pretty bad for you and the useless shows such as Jersey Shore, Maury, and the like are clearly not doing any good for anyone, and I know I would put a lot more dedication into doing important things like school and cleaning my room if I was subjected to this. On the other hand, I really don't think it's up to the Government to decide what TV is worth while enough to waste time watching. As an American, I clearly think this is too far although I'm not surprised by this action from China, considering that (I think)North Korea has/had radios that could only be turned down, not turned off, and all citizens had to have one. Yes, our world is turning into 1984.
I think they're digging their own grave with this. With a large number of teenagers in their country who will eventually be reaching their rebellious potential, this isn't the time to begin outlawing entertainment. I only see this causing civil unrest which isn't good for any country. China needs to tread carefully with follow-up legislation and enforcement.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I don't think this is all that bad! I can see the China government has a hidden agenda with this but this will force people to stop watching junk television and get outside and be active! The United States has shown to other countries what television does to people - makes them giant couch potatoes and obese. We've set a negative example so maybe China just wants to ensure this doesn't happen to their population. Or maybe they just want to promote communism more... Or both! Who knows?
ReplyDeleteThis is both good and bad idea.
ReplyDeleteTrash tv shows don't benefit people in any way, they just waste time and create bad perceptions in people. Limiting the amount of time someone can watch these types of shows is definitely a god thing, it will allow for the inception of so many other activities that will be far more productive.
On the other hand, replacing the the tv shows with brainwashing techniques like the "programs promoting socialist core values and traditional virtues" seem excessive and extremely controlling.
I feel like they are coming from a good angle, trying to mitigate the amount of tv people watch, but the way they're going about it is wrong.
By replacing the TV shows deemed unfit for people to see, China is opening a big can of worms. They know their population and will most likely provide shows to encourage belief in what the government does. However, people might not accept these changes because not only is the government further controlling what they watch but providing what they watch.
ReplyDelete