China Considers Banning Clothes That 'Hurt Feelings'

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Facts

• The Xi Jinping administration is reportedly considering implementing a law that would forbid a range of behaviors, including dress or speech, that undermine people's spirit or 'hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.'¹
• According to a draft of revisions to its public security law released by the standing committee of the nation's legislature, violators could spend up to 15 days in jail or be fined up to ¥ 5K (US$680).²
• The current proposal doesn't specify what kind of clothing or speech would be considered 'offensive' by the PRC government.³
• The proposed legal changes also ban 'insulting, slandering or otherwise infringing upon the names of local heroes and martyrs' and defacing memorial statues.⁴
• This comes after Chinese citizens have been apprehended for wearing shirts with rainbows or distributing flags with pro-LGBTQ+ symbols.⁵

Sources: ¹Bloomberg, ²Time, ³FOX News, ⁴BBC News and ⁵Independent.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by New York Times. In the name of reforms, Xi Jinping has proposed an excessive and authoritarian law to punish citizens for dissent. In addition, the lack of clarity on what constitutes a 'violation' could lead to abuse and infringe on personal rights. The feelings and spirit of a nation aren't fragile enough to be offended by someone wearing 'wrong' clothes. The proposed law is just an attempt to penalize those who offend the CCP's sensibilities.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by Globaltimes. Pres. Xi Jinping has led China to reform, develop, and contribute to world peace and development. Under his vision, nearly 100M Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty in just eight years while a project of modernization has been wildly successful. Chinese citizens believe in Jinping's leadership and decision-making as he highly values culture, puts people first, and works toward advancing national rejuvenation.

Predictions