> American entertainment producers trying to play friendly with the Chinese market isn't really 'enabling the communist party' in any meaningful sense of the word
I think this is where a lot of people would disagree. Once companies give in to demands of censorship or anything that goes against our Western values, you're basically letting China know that they can get away with it. And to me, that's directly enabling their behaviour.
On the other side, if you don't give in to their demands, you're essentially missing out on a huge market, so most companies pick money over morals.
There's a difference between changing products to be popular in China, and censoring words to be allowed to operate in China. Sadly for a lot of companies, one cannot go without the other.
The entertainment industry in a globalized market will act according to demands (and regulations if any left) in the market and nothing else. It is fascinating to watch as popcultures "values" slowly shift towards the bigger market that is China and create an awkward set of synthesized values (most recent and talked about being new Star Wars movies).
As a capitalist in a third world country, it seems like in principle a bit of competition ought to be good for both the 2nd and 1st largest economies. Remember the Avis "we try harder" campaign?
In principle, competition is good, I agree. However, in this case, you need to give up your principles to even be allowed to compete.
Look at what happened to the NBA, they didn't give in to China's demands, and just like that, they're out. The same goes for any company that's not willing to give up it's morals and values.
Except this isn’t commercial competition - it’s a competition in values and the role of the state in people’s lives. It’s Enlightenment values vs thinly disguised fascism. It’s a competition, alright - just be careful which side you’re fighting for.
I think this is where a lot of people would disagree. Once companies give in to demands of censorship or anything that goes against our Western values, you're basically letting China know that they can get away with it. And to me, that's directly enabling their behaviour.
On the other side, if you don't give in to their demands, you're essentially missing out on a huge market, so most companies pick money over morals.
There's a difference between changing products to be popular in China, and censoring words to be allowed to operate in China. Sadly for a lot of companies, one cannot go without the other.