Did You Know? China Officially Prohibits Effeminate Men from Appearing on TV Shows

Kapanlagi.com - In recent years, China has caused a stir in the entertainment world due to the government's decision to ban effeminate-looking men from appearing on TV screens. This rule has sparked various responses, ranging from support that views the policy as necessary to uphold morals, to strong criticism from those who believe it stifles self-expression.

This phenomenon is not much different from what occurred in Indonesia. The debate over celebrities' appearances deemed too soft or effeminate has previously been a hot issue. However, in China, the scale is much larger, drawing public attention and sparking discussions across various social platforms.

1. Regulations Coming from the Chinese Broadcasting Authority

The policy comes from the NRTA, China's national broadcasting agency. In 2021, they issued a circular requesting all TV stations to stop airing male celebrities who appear feminine or display waving gestures. This includes those considered to be effeminate or having aesthetics deemed abnormal by government standards.

2. Waving Men Are Not Given a Platform

Illustration of a man waving - created by AI

In China, there is a term niang pao which refers to men who appear too soft. This term is considered derogatory, yet is often used in public discourse.

Through the new regulations, the government is asking TV stations to showcase content that better reflects traditional culture, revolutionary values, and socialist morals. The aim is to shape a masculinity image that aligns with state standards, thereby automatically excluding effeminate-looking celebrities from the Chinese television landscape.

3. Why Did the Government Ban Men Waving on TV?

Legend of Zhuohua - mydramalist

The motive is quite clear. The Chinese government is concerned that the image of soft or androgynous male artists will influence teenagers' perceptions of masculinity. They see the clean, beautiful, and stylish Kpop male idol trend as a threat to the country's version of male values.

Some media reports also mention that the government wants to prevent the younger generation from idolizing male figures that are considered inconsistent with traditional masculine standards. This has sparked a significant debate, especially among Kpop fans in China.

4. TV Shows Must Feature Masculine Men

Legend of Zhuohua - mydramalist

This decision automatically impacts the entertainment industry. Producers and production houses are now more cautious in choosing actors for dramas and films. Even character portrayals must be adjusted to avoid appearing soft or too androgynous.

The most noticeable impact is on xianxia fantasy dramas. This genre usually features long-haired men with soft faces, but now such characters are increasingly being reconsidered to meet the government's desired standards of masculinity.

5. Efforts to Save the Nation According to the Government

Illustration of a waving man - created by AI

For many parties, this policy is seen as reinforcing negative stigma against those with different gender expressions. Freedom of creativity is also considered increasingly constrained.

However, for the Chinese government, this regulation is viewed as a step to maintain the nation's morals, protect native culture, and shape gender images according to state guidelines. They believe that standards of masculinity are an important part of national identity that must be preserved.

Well, what do KLovers think? Do you agree with such regulations or do you feel that self-expression should still be given space?

(kpl/chn)