The Start of CensorshipWhen going back to ancient China we are able to see that censorship started fairly early, by the time Confucius's ideals were popularized. Confucius believed that one should humble himself towards authority, and this idea was enlarged or expanded on by the Chinese government. This eventually led to China's government becoming oppressive.
|
"An oppressive government is fiercer and more feared than a tiger."
-Confucius
Burning of Books |
One major event of censorship in ancient China was the Burning of Books and Burial of Scholars. This took place in 221 AD, which in turn limits our knowledge. Despite this factor we are able to tell that it was an act emperor Shi Huangdi ordered. His reasoning was to restrict intellectuals from questioning the power of the dynasty.
|
China, since its beginning of censorship, has become more and more government controlled. For example the Tiananmen Square Massacre and Chinese internet censorship.
|
Progression |
Secrecy |
Although other countries retrieve information of China's actions through any ways, the Chinese government still attempts to limit leakage of info. A very good example of this is with the Tianamen Square Massacre, where the Chinese government attempted to not let the event leak. We can even see this when traveling to China, as they put restrictions on foreigners, such as restrictions to military areas.
|