Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard of stand-up comedy? What do you know about it?
- What do you think about using humor to talk about sensitive or controversial subjects?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- implement /IM-pluh-ment/
- prohibit /proh-HIB-it /
- sentenced /SEN-tnst/
- highlight /HAHY-lahyt/
- criticize /KRIT-uh-sahyz /
[verb] – to start using a plan or system
The manager will implement a new dress code policy for the office next week.
[verb] – to officially refuse to allow something
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.
[adjective] – referring to a person who has been officially declared guilty of a crime and assigned a punishment by a court of law
The sentenced prisoner served his time in a maximum-security facility.
[verb] – to attract attention to or emphasize something important
Please highlight the important sections of the document before submitting it.
[verb] – to express disapproval of someone or something
My manager criticized my work performance during our meeting.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Chinese comedian Li Haoshi, also known as House, was fined over $2 million by authorities, causing significant losses for the entertainment company involved. Li’s use of a phrase associated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during his Beijing comedy show resulted in severe consequences. The phrase, “fine style of work, capable of winning battles” referenced a well-known slogan tied to the Chinese Communist Party and the PLA. Beijing authorities considered this a serious insult to the PLA and detrimental to society. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism recently fined the company’s subsidiary $1.91 million and confiscated $189,000 of “illegal gains” from Li’s shows. Li and his entertainment company issued an apology on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform.
In 2021, China implemented a law prohibiting insults and slander against military personnel. A notable case involved a former investigative journalist sentenced to seven months in prison for challenging China’s depiction of its role in the Korean War through a patriotic film. These incidents highlight China’s strict measures to protect the military’s image and discourage criticism. As a result, Li Haoshi (House) has been indefinitely suspended by Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media. Some Chinese internet users expressed support for the penalties and criticized stand-up comedy as a lesser art form. However, concerns remain regarding potential future restrictions on comedy in China.
In 2021, China implemented a law prohibiting insults and slander against military personnel. A notable case involved a former investigative journalist sentenced to seven months in prison for challenging China’s depiction of its role in the Korean War through a patriotic film. These incidents highlight China’s strict measures to protect the military’s image and discourage criticism. As a result, Li Haoshi (House) has been indefinitely suspended by Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media. Some Chinese internet users expressed support for the penalties and criticized stand-up comedy as a lesser art form. However, concerns remain regarding potential future restrictions on comedy in China.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What phrase did Li Haoshi use during his Beijing comedy show that caused the authorities to fine him?
- How much was Li Haoshi fined by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism?
- Why did Beijing authorities consider Li Haoshi’s use of the phrase a serious insult?
- How did some Chinese internet users react to the penalties imposed on Li Haoshi?
- How might the recent penalties and criticisms faced by Li Haoshi (House) impact the comedy industry in China?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever encountered situations where comedy went too far and caused negative outcomes? What did you think about the responsibility of comedians?
- Have you ever faced challenges or criticism for your own comedic work? How did you handle it?
- Do you believe comedians should be held accountable for the potential negative consequences of their comedy?
- Which other countries do you believe have similar strict rules regarding the comedy industry as observed in China?
- What steps do you believe should be taken to ensure that comedy remains responsible while still maintaining its ability to make people laugh?