China’s crackdown on its entertainment industry continues with a recent ban on “sissy men,” vulgar internet celebrities and reality talent shows, among other new measures. 

Industry “clean-up”: The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) told broadcasters on Thursday to ban “sissy idols” who don’t follow “macho” male stereotypes, reported the South China Morning Post. 

• The measure is part of the eight-point regulation plan the broadcast regulating body has set to “clean up” the entertainment industry. 
• China has already blacklisted two stars, billionaire actress Zhao Wei, whose entire existence has been scrubbed from the internet, and actor Zhang Zhehan, for taking a selfie with the Yaksukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese soldiers, in 2018.
• According to the Associated Press, the agency urged broadcasters to “resolutely put an end to sissy men and other abnormal esthetics.”
• The NRTA reportedly referred to effeminate men using the insulting slang term “niang pao,” which means “girlie guns.”
• While the ban includes male pop stars who wear makeup, it’s unclear what the other guidelines are to determine whether a man looks “effeminate” or “macho.” 
• Male Chinese pop stars with effeminate looks and demeanor have long been criticized on state-owned media for not inspiring young men to be “masculine enough.”
• Broadcasters have also been warned against promoting stars flaunting their wealth online, individuals engaging in entertainment gossip, programs featuring children of celebrities and social media influencers described as “vulgar,” reported The Hollywood Reporter.
• The new regulations also prescribed limiting pay for celebrities and avoiding contracts that could aid in tax evasion.

Promoting “national rejuvenation”: The new restrictions are in line with President Xi Jinping’s call for a “national rejuvenation,” which is associated with the Chinese Communist Party’s tighter control on business, culture and education in the country.  

• The party has previously cracked down on celebrity fandom and recently reduced children’s access to online games.
• China’s antitrust regulators enforced actions on social media provider Tencent Holding, search giant Baidu, e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and others for alleged “monopolistic corporate behavior.”
• In July, China released strict new regulations that banned for-profit tutoring in core education.

Featured Image via XUKUN august K