In a move that has sparked mixed reactions, Chinese officials have warned comedians and comedy performers to avoid humor related to gender that may fuel “social tensions.” The warning comes after a viral stand-up routine by a female comedian about marriage challenges and gender inequality.
Official Warning: Gender Humor Is “No Laughing Matter”
China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) stated in a notice that comedians must refrain from creating content that “incites gender conflicts.” The regulator urged artists to focus on “promoting social harmony and positivity” rather than addressing sensitive topics, emphasizing their “social responsibility.”
The decision followed a widely circulated performance by comedian Yang Li, whose skit on single women’s struggles, family pressures, and gender disparities garnered millions of views online. While many applauded her candidness, others labeled her material as “divisive.”
Reactions: “Telling the Truth” or “Stirring Gender Conflict”?
The new restrictions have drawn criticism from some netizens. On Weibo (China’s popular social platform), users commented:
- “If speaking about women’s real issues counts as ‘inciting gender conflict,’ what happens to free speech?”
- “Instead of censoring comedians, the government should address the root causes of women’s grievances.”
However, some supporters argue that gender-based jokes risk exacerbating tensions rather than easing them.
China’s History of Media Content Control
China has tightened entertainment regulations in recent years, including comedy content. Authorities previously banned “effeminate men” from TV, deeming such portrayals contrary to “socialist values.”
Guardian