China still struggles with censorship

Jan 19 2008

Back in August 2007, I wrote a post (In China, internet propels novel popularity) about people in China embracing internet technology to produce and consume literature. I presented a fairly optimistic view of China’s infant literary scene.

However, there are still many problems in China for writers, especially concerning censorship. According to an article published in the Guardian Unlimited, censorship still exists, but the line that separates what is considered appropriate and what is taboo has been blurred:

"Censorship’s not quite the blunt instrument it used to be," says the Beijing-based journalist and translator Eric Abrahamsen. "Writers can publish books, but then there’s pressure exerted on publishers not to reprint them, or media organisations not to cover them."

Yet many writers are afraid about being punished for their writing, so they often censor their own work:

"Self-censorship is a far bigger problem than government censorship."

Nevertheless, there are still attempts made by writers to get around the government censors. Obviously, anything overtly anti-government will be banned. So writers will try using parables, allusions and other literary devices to get their message across. According to the article, it’s not always successful, and authorities will ban a work and even punish a writer if it isn’t clear what a piece of writing is about:

But there is no guarantee of safety, even for writers who deal in parable and allusion. Uighur poet Nurmuhemmet Yasin is serving a 10-year sentence for "inciting Uighur separatism" after publishing a short story about a pigeon who flies off in search of a new home, is caught by humans and finally commits suicide. Considered by the Chinese authorities to be a criticism of their government’s presence in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, he is currently held in Urumqi No 1 Jail, and has been denied visitors since his arrest in 2005. "Political consequences can be dire," says Jackson-Han, "for anyone suspected of taking aim at the system."

One would think that because Beijing will be hosting the upcoming Olympics, the Chinese government would be cutting back on the censorship business, as they have promised. But, in fact, the opposite has happened. As the article states, there has been a drastic increase in house arrests over the last 12 months.

I find this particularly troublesome as the Olympics are supposed to represent human achievement, respect for our individuality and a basic respect for human rights. How can such an event be held in a country where freedom of expression is still stifled? Whatever promises the Chinese government made to secure the Olympic games, it’s turning out they had their fingers crossed while they spoke about eliminating censorship.

Hopefully emerging technology will allow a new generation of young Chinese writers to express themselves more freely and start developing a fresh literary identity of their own. One of the great things about the internet is that it’s leveling the playing field for writers everywhere.

Writers struggle with change in China

Note: All of you regular readers out there might have noticed that there was no Friday Link Love post yesterday. Yes, I got busy with other things and failed to get a good link love list together. The good news is that Friday Link Love will be returning next week!

Read More: Censorship, Literary News, Reading, Writing

2 Responses

I’m currently studying censorship in China and the United States, with a focus on the current war on terror and the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Although I’m focusing on the media aspect, cultural censorship is also quite important.
China did promise the IOC that they would work on their human rights abuses and loosen their media restrictions for the Olympics–however, not much has been done for the Chinese people (only the foreign media).
Even though media censorship is still prevalent in China, the advent of privatization of Chinese newspapers and access to the internet, as well as a growing demand for sensationalist, muckraking news stories have helped media liberalization. Can this be paralleled when it comes to Chinese literature and books? I’d love to hear your opinion.

Matt 1/26/2008 4:14 pm
Hi Matt, thank you for your comment!
Yes, I think there is a huge parallel between media censorship and that of books/literature. There are many subjects the Chinese government deems off-limits; religion, criticism of the government and more.
The internet and other technology is helping. Now writers are able to bypass government censors and publish their works directly to the internet.
Nevertheless, China’s government still has tight control over written work produced within its borders. I’m afraid that the government is only giving the appearance of becoming more liberal for the Olympics, while at the same time, cracking down even more on its own citizens.
Thanks again for your comment!
-Brad

Brad 1/26/2008 5:49 pm