TV censor triggers public outcry
- Source: Global Times
- [03:49 December 17 2009]
- Comments
By Guo Qiang
Public anger over the censorship of a popular TV series that realistically illustrates two sisters' desperate struggle to buy an increasingly unaffordable home reached a crescendo in recent days, following a broadcast watchdog official openly criticizing the show as vulgar and obscene.
Web users have vented their ire by exposing luxury properties allegedly owned by the official, in hopes of copying an earlier case in which a government official was brought down after his luxurious living was exposed and a government investigation ensued.
The targeted official is Li Jingsheng, director-general of the Department of Teleplay Administration under the State Administration of Radio, Film and Televi sion. His criticism of the hit television series commonly known as Snail House has drawn widespread public attention.
The effects of the efforts against the broadcast official, however, remain unclear, as some claim the property allegations aren't true. But the anger and debate continue.
Li said at an annual TV series promotion meeting December 9 that the drama had created a "vulgar and negative social impact by hyping porn jokes, corrupt officials and sex to woo viewers."
The 33-episode series is about the struggles of contemporary Chinese living in a bustling metropolis, modeled after Shanghai, with a focus on roaring property prices that young people struggle to afford. One of the stars even goes as far as becoming a corrupt official's mistress to get money for an apartment.
The show also mirrors the harsh reality facing many young graduates, especially those living in big cities, who can relate to the situation.
As a result, Li attacking the show hasn't been well received. Online forums are rife with profanity directed at Li, and he has come under increased scrutiny, with people looking to see what type of watch he wears and cigarettes he smokes, as well as seeing how big his house is, what type of restaurants he frequents and even what school his child goes to.
A People's Daily online forum was flooded with hundreds of posts directing Web users' fury at the official in a matter of two days.
The delving into Li's life – a practice known in China as a "human flesh search" – has claimed to have uncovered that Li bought two high-grade suites in Beijing in 1992, as well as a 280-square-meter villa.
Such efforts targeting officials have been successful in the past at bringing down corrupt officials, but the Web "vigilantes" may have made a mistake this time, as photographs posted online claim the homes belong to a film star.
