Why Are Skeletons Illegal in China? The Nuances of Culture, Censorship, and Commerce

The answer to whether skeletons are illegal in China is surprisingly complex: they aren’t strictly illegal. However, their presence in media, particularly in video games and other forms of entertainment aimed at younger audiences, is heavily restricted and often self-censored. The reason isn’t a formal law banning skeletons outright, but rather a combination of cultural sensitivities, censorship policies, and commercial considerations. Think of it less like a “Thou shalt not depict skeletons” decree and more like a strong cultural nudge towards less skeletal imagery.

The Intersection of Culture, Censorship, and Commerce

China’s approach to content regulation is multi-faceted. It’s not just about outright banning things; it’s about fostering a specific social and moral climate. This climate is shaped by:

• Cultural Sensitivities: Traditional Chinese culture places a high value on ancestral respect. Depictions that are perceived as disrespectful to the deceased or that promote superstitious beliefs are frowned upon. While not every skeleton is seen as inherently disrespectful, there’s a general unease about portrayals that might be seen as dishonoring ancestors or trivializing death.

• Censorship Policies: China has a robust censorship apparatus that regulates various forms of media, including films, television, video games, and online content. The government’s concerns range from political stability to moral values. Content that is deemed to be detrimental to the “political, economic, cultural, and moral interests of China” is subject to censorship. This includes content that promotes violence, sexuality, or any views that challenge the authority of the government.

• Commercial Considerations: Even without explicit bans, companies are often wary of including content that could attract the attention of censors. The Chinese market is enormous, and access to it is highly desirable. As such, many media companies proactively self-censor their content to ensure that it meets the government’s expectations. This is particularly true for video game developers, who often modify their games to remove or alter potentially offensive elements, such as skeletons, blood, or depictions of violence.

The Role of Superstition and Moral Values

The portrayal of skeletons often falls under the broader umbrella of superstition. The Chinese government actively discourages what it considers to be superstitious beliefs and practices. This is rooted in the country’s history and the Communist Party’s efforts to modernize society and promote scientific rationalism. Skeletons, particularly in certain contexts, can be seen as symbols of death, ghosts, and the supernatural, all of which are associated with superstition.

Furthermore, the emphasis on moral values plays a crucial role. The government promotes a specific set of values that prioritize social harmony, patriotism, and respect for authority. Content that is perceived as undermining these values is likely to face censorship. The depiction of skeletons, especially if it is gratuitous or disrespectful, can be seen as conflicting with these values.

The Video Game Industry: A Case Study

The video game industry provides a particularly clear example of how these factors come into play. Video games are subject to rigorous censorship in China, and developers are well aware of the potential pitfalls of including certain types of content.

Games that depict blood, gore, violence, or sexuality are often banned or heavily censored. Skeletons often fall into this category, as they can be seen as symbols of violence and death. Moreover, games that are deemed to be critical of the Chinese government or that promote values that are inconsistent with those of the Communist Party are also likely to be banned.

Because of the size of the Chinese video game market, many studios will alter their games to conform to the government’s standards. This involves changing the images of skeletons to be less scary, removing them altogether, or replacing them with something else.

The Reality of Censorship: A Shifting Landscape

It’s important to note that the specific rules and regulations surrounding censorship in China are constantly evolving. The government’s approach can be influenced by a variety of factors, including public opinion, political priorities, and international relations.

What is considered acceptable one day may be deemed offensive the next. This makes it difficult for media companies to predict what will be censored and what will be allowed. As a result, many companies take a conservative approach, erring on the side of caution to avoid running afoul of the authorities.

Finding More About Games and Learning

To explore the intersection of games, learning, and societal impact further, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to understanding and promoting the use of games for educational and social good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are skeletons banned in all forms of media in China?

No, skeletons are not banned in all forms of media. However, their appearance is heavily regulated, especially in content aimed at younger audiences. Adult-oriented films or documentaries might have more leeway, but even then, depictions are often handled with sensitivity.

2. What specific cultural sensitivities are at play?

Ancestral respect is a primary concern. Skeletons, particularly if shown in a disrespectful or trivializing way, can be seen as dishonoring the deceased. The line between artistic expression and cultural offense can be blurry, leading to caution.

3. How does the Chinese government define “detrimental to the moral interests of China”?

This is a broad and vaguely defined term, leaving room for interpretation. It can encompass anything that the government perceives as undermining its authority, promoting Western values over Chinese ones, or encouraging behavior that is deemed to be socially harmful. The interpretation can be subjective and subject to change.

4. Why is blood often censored alongside skeletons?

Blood is often associated with violence, which the Chinese government seeks to minimize in media, especially for young audiences. The goal is to create a safe and harmonious environment, and graphic depictions of violence are seen as counterproductive.

5. Does this censorship apply to foreign media?

Yes, foreign media is subject to the same censorship rules as domestic media. This includes films, television shows, video games, and online content. Companies that want to distribute their content in China often have to make significant modifications to comply with local regulations.

6. Are there any exceptions to these censorship rules?

There may be exceptions for educational or scientific content where the depiction of skeletons is necessary for understanding anatomy or biology. However, even in these cases, the content is likely to be carefully vetted and presented in a sensitive manner.

7. How does this censorship impact the Chinese gaming industry?

The censorship has a significant impact on the Chinese gaming industry. Developers must carefully consider what content is acceptable to the government and modify their games accordingly. This can lead to creative compromises and a focus on games that are less likely to attract the attention of censors.

8. Are there any legal repercussions for violating these censorship rules?

Yes, violating censorship rules can have serious consequences. Companies that distribute content that is deemed to be illegal can face fines, suspension of their licenses, or even criminal charges. Individuals who create or share illegal content can also be subject to penalties.

9. Has this censorship changed over time?

Yes, censorship in China has evolved over time. There have been periods of relative relaxation and periods of tightening control. The current trend appears to be towards stricter regulation, particularly in the areas of media and online content.

10. How does self-censorship play a role in this?

Self-censorship is a major factor. Companies often err on the side of caution to avoid attracting the attention of censors. This can lead to a situation where content is modified or removed even if it is not explicitly banned.

11. What are some examples of games that have been banned in China?

Games that depict drugs, sexuality, blood, organized crime, or defamation of the Chinese government are almost always banned. Examples include games with excessive violence, political themes, or depictions of sensitive historical events.

12. Does this censorship extend to other forms of art and entertainment?

Yes, censorship extends to other forms of art and entertainment, including film, television, music, and literature. The government regulates all of these areas to ensure that content aligns with its values and priorities.

13. How do Chinese citizens react to this censorship?

Reactions to censorship are mixed. Some Chinese citizens support the government’s efforts to maintain social stability and promote traditional values. Others are critical of the censorship, arguing that it restricts freedom of expression and limits access to information. Many use VPNs to bypass censorship.

14. Is TikTok really banned in China?

No, TikTok isn’t accessible in China. Instead, there’s a different version of TikTok — a sister app called Douyin.

15. Why is Winnie the Pooh banned in China?

The censorship is believed to be a result of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary Xi Jinping being compared to the character in Internet memes, which the Chinese government saw as a disrespectful mockery of the leader of its country.