Chinese officials have issued a stern warning to comedians across the country: jokes targeting the opposite sex are no longer acceptable. The move comes as part of a broader effort to maintain social harmony and prevent what authorities describe as 'divisive' humour.
New Guidelines for Comedians
The government's cultural oversight body has released updated guidelines explicitly prohibiting stand-up routines, sketches, or any comedic content that mocks or stereotypes based on gender. Officials argue such material risks undermining social stability and traditional values.
Why Now?
This crackdown follows several high-profile cases where comedians faced public backlash for gender-related jokes. Authorities claim they're responding to growing public concern about 'toxic' entertainment content.
Industry Reaction
While some performers have welcomed the clarity, others fear the regulations will stifle creativity. 'Comedy often explores societal tensions,' one anonymous comedian told reporters. 'If we can't address gender dynamics, we lose a major source of material.'
The guidelines don't specify penalties, but industry insiders expect venues and platforms to enforce them strictly to avoid government scrutiny.
