China's chief of discipline for the Communist Party Wang Qishan is huge House of Cards fan. Perhaps he self identifies with Kevin Spacey's character Frank Underwood who as Majority Whip keeps the faithful inline as his party's chief hall monitor.
Wang Qishan, one of the seven most powerful leaders in China, is said to be particularly captivated, according to reports in Chinese media and officials with ties to his department, who asked to speak anonymously.
Wang Qishan, one of the seven most powerful leaders in China, is said to be particularly captivated, according to reports in Chinese media and officials with ties to his department, who asked to speak anonymously.
As head of China’s disciplinary committee, Wang is charged with keeping cadres in line and instilling discipline throughout party ranks — a portfolio somewhat similar to that of Underwood, the majority whip in “House of Cards.”
One difference though, while Frank Underwood maybe a conniving thug he can't send you to prison, a work or re education camp or have you brought up charges that lead to your untimely death.
“Of course people in China are curious, because you could never see this kind of show about the Chinese government. It would never get past the censors,” said one Beijing fan who attended a panel held by Sohu on Tuesday to discuss the new series.
She did not want her name published, saying she feared criticizing the government and — not unlike a possible “House of Cards” plot twist — finding herself “suddenly disappearing the next day.”
“Could you imagine if China ever did its own version of the show? Oh my God, the political characters would be even more ruthless and masterful at manipulation,” she said.
While it may be a fictional account of how American politics works I'm sure Mr. Qishan gets a real warm and fuzzy from the program as it makes him feel like he's just like Frank Underwood.
No comments:
Post a Comment