Kicker - Karaoke censorship

PAUL BUTLER, HOST: Well, apparently there’s virtually no area of life that a communist government doesn’t want to control, and that includes karaoke playlists.

China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced it would introduce a list of songs banned from appearing on karaoke playlists, effective Oct. 1st.

Officials said karaoke singing should be restricted to songs that promote healthy lifestyles and generate love of country—(as defined by the Chinese Communist Party.)

Violent and sexually explicit songs will be prohibited. But so too will songs like “Beijing Hooligans,” which the government says may encourage misbehavior, another one on the list: “Don’t Want to Go to School,” as it could discourage school attendance.

So much to the chagrin of Pink Floyd fans. I’m guessing “We Don’t Need No Education” is probably somewhere on that list as well.

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