Book burning? Chinese officials may embark on a karaoke crusade.
In the People’s Republic of China, karaoke parlors attract tens of millions of students, workers, farmers and suited entrepreneurs. On Saturday nights, friends pack “KTVs” and belt out songs with lyrics like “I love you like a mouse loves rice.”
Pop sing-a-longs are hip and deliciously embarrassing.
Unfortunately, some are downright unhealthy too, says China’s Ministry of Culture (Ministry of Censure). Not physically unhealthy – the Chinese record karaoke marathon lasted100 caffeine-fueled hours.
No, Chinese officials plan to crack down on unhealthy records – of a sexual and political variety.
The government claims karaoke control will protect intellectual property rights. They plan to catalog songs in a central database.
KTV fans don’t like how that sounds. Karaoke parlors provide rare refuge for young, open-minded Chinese hoping to escape state hegemony.
What songs qualify for the banned list? According to the L.A. Times, Xuecun’s groove “Office” might – “We spend a lot of nights together as you cheat on your husband by telling him you’re working overtime.”
If that excuse doesn’t fly, Xuecun’s lover might explain that she joined friends at the karaoke parlor – for a night of healthy and wholly appropriate fun.
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