While China recently vowed to keep the foreign media away via the internet from its citizens, it seems a little strange to be hearing in the The New York Times today about the newest edition to Chinese media, Vogue Magazine. Last week, China claimed to only want "healthy and civilized news" infilitrating their country. They have no need for images of democracy, or of the War in Iraq, or news of President Bush's lady friend giving pep talks to Saudi women. But hey bring on high fashion, Nike sneakers, anorexic and pale looking models. Clear out those newstands for the great white way! The reporter on this particular Times piece, Howard W. French states that while China did place controls on the influx of foreign media;
"For now it seems that Chinese authorities have decided that the fashion magazines which promote whiter skin-a popular theme-Western styles and an obsession with brands, and the men's magazines-which promote toned bodies and carry lifestyle and sex advice that would not be out of place on a newsstand in New York-are safe."
How are the Chinese "protecting" their culture and keeping everyone healthy and civilized by being constantly exposed to this Western way of life that is responsible for the news they are trying to keep out? So its OK to be up to date with the latest couture but to know what's going on in the world, and what other countries are saying is definintly out?
The woman in charge of pushing the concept of a Chinese Vogue, Angelica Cheung, states that this push for a material life for those highly educated and highly paid members of Chinese society allows for a better view of their own world. As she states in the article, "You inspire the girl to believe if I take care of myself, if I buy the right things, and I educate myself, tomorrow will be better." That's really a great motto. Education is great, and hey, buying a Feragammo purse every once in awhile will make any girl feel better. But why isn't today a good day? Why is this women claiming that the pages of Vogue will solve all the upper class Chinese problems? So call the Chinese hypocrites or don't for prescribing the Western way of life, but refusing to allow its mainstream media in. I just really think Vogue is a poor replacement for The New York Times online.
willemmarx @ October 4, 2005 - 7:33am
Which is why Conde Nast won't be offering you a job anytime soon. That and the fact that you somewhat butchered Salvatore's last name, it's 2 "R"s and 1 "m" - Ferragamo.
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