When you think of censored things, what you do think of in computer service? Most would think of porn, trolling, extreme violence. But would you think of something as innocent as Winnie the Pooh? China does. It’s Winnie the Pooh vs China: Censorship issues.
So let me explain. A photo surfaced of Chinese President Xi Jinping walking with former US President Barack Obama. But some in the Chinese government thinks Jinping looked too much like Winnie the Pooh. So they banned any and all things Pooh. In fact, sharing or composing any message that has anything to do with Winnie the Pooh will get you blocked.
Maybe it’s because of Winnie and Jinping’s similar features. Both have round faces and body types. This was particularly true in this photo, where Jinping is without a coat or tie. That coat or tie better covers up his frame. Then there’s a picture of Jinping shaking hands with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Some compare that with Winnie the Pooh shaking hands with Eeyore. They banned that one too. Because in China, they forbid citizens to make fun of leaders. This includes the Internet and social media. If you do, they will censor it. I’m thankful nobody is arrested and going to prison over this. At least I don’t think.
But that’s the bigger issue of Winnie the Pooh vs China. It is the censorship reason and the cause of it. Here in the US, we make fun of our political leaders on a daily basis. But in China, that leads to censorship, if not worse. Now some say, “We should respect our leaders”. But shouldn’t we respect freedom and democracy? And shouldn’t we respect a Constitution that guarantees us free speech (which China doesn’t have)? Getting compared to Winnie the Pooh isn’t the biggest insult in the world. Believe me, our officials get worse. Is the Winnie the Pooh vs China controversy more of a censorship issue?