People in China were in serious trouble in the 1980s for their actions. Styles for the season. The bluejeans or flared trousers were regarded as “Strange attire“. Several government buildings prohibited men with long hair, and women who wore makeup or jewellery. Factory and school patrols used scissors to remove flared trousers and long hair. China was in the earliest days of its reform and liberalization era. As the Communist Party began to loosen its grip on society, the people were pushing for more freedom of expression and individualism.
The government has proposed amendments to an existing law which could lead to detentions and fines if “clothing or symbols are worn in public, that harm the Chinese spirit and Chinese feelings.” The government did not specify what could be considered an offense.
Over the last week, legal experts, journalists, and business people have all voiced their concern about this plan. The plan, say critics, could allow authorities to enforce anything that they don’t like. Zhang Sanfeng posted on WeChat that in Chinese history the periods when hairstyles and clothing were of great importance often coincided with “bad times”.
If these amendments are adopted by the National Legislature, and the public is allowed to comment on them until 30 September, then such crimes could be punished with fines as high as $680, or even 15 days of police detention. This law may place China among the socially conservative nations.Guo Hui a lawyer wrote in Weibo that “the morality police was on its way out”. Do you still think it’s okay to make fun of Iran or Afghanistan?
The proposal does not specify exactly what constitutes an offense. This proposal uses the same language as the Chinese foreign ministry to express its displeasure with Western people and countries. The interpretation of law by individual officers would depend on the lack of a clearly defined definition. Zhao Hong is a political science professor who wrote an article stating that “you can find any pretext to make someone look guilty.” Some people noted that this ban might extend to the wearing of a western suit and tie.
It is so controversial that some of the official media have written about it. Hu Xijin – former editor of official tabloid Global Times – urged clarification. In his article, he said that China’s prosperity and development depended on a social climate which was inclusive.
The government has proposed amendments to an existing law which could lead to detentions and fines if “clothing or symbols are worn in public, that harm the Chinese spirit and Chinese feelings.” The government did not specify what could be considered an offense.
Over the last week, legal experts, journalists, and business people have all voiced their concern about this plan. The plan, say critics, could allow authorities to enforce anything that they don’t like. Zhang Sanfeng posted on WeChat that in Chinese history the periods when hairstyles and clothing were of great importance often coincided with “bad times”.
If these amendments are adopted by the National Legislature, and the public is allowed to comment on them until 30 September, then such crimes could be punished with fines as high as $680, or even 15 days of police detention. This law may place China among the socially conservative nations.Guo Hui a lawyer wrote in Weibo that “the morality police was on its way out”. Do you still think it’s okay to make fun of Iran or Afghanistan?
The proposal does not specify exactly what constitutes an offense. This proposal uses the same language as the Chinese foreign ministry to express its displeasure with Western people and countries. The interpretation of law by individual officers would depend on the lack of a clearly defined definition. Zhao Hong is a political science professor who wrote an article stating that “you can find any pretext to make someone look guilty.” Some people noted that this ban might extend to the wearing of a western suit and tie.
It is so controversial that some of the official media have written about it. Hu Xijin – former editor of official tabloid Global Times – urged clarification. In his article, he said that China’s prosperity and development depended on a social climate which was inclusive.