Review: A Victim of Chinese Authoritarianism Explains Censorship and Surveillance
After becoming the target of police harassment, the Chinese artist and journalist Ai Weiwei left his homeland for good in 2015. In a new book, On Censorship, he writes about how censorship and surveillance go hand in hand. Like a dealer who can see all the cards, Ai argues, an all-seeing government has an “absolute advantage” over dissidents.
The nexus between surveillance and censorship has a psychological aspect as well. “A primary aim of censorship is to normalize itself, to present itself as natural and essential,” Ai warns. He cites an ancient Chinese saying that “the great affairs of the state are worship and military bases,” drawing a straight line from “worship” to modern-day taboos of political correctness.
Ai’s new book is not just about Chinese repression. It also warns about censorship around the world. In “ostensibly democratic societies,” he writes, censorship is “more covert, more deceptive, and more corrosive.”
The examples he cites defy the left-right political spectrum. Ai points to the crackdown on pro-Palestinian college students and the U.S. government’s attempts to create uncertainty around civilian casualties in Gaza. He also recalls the cancellation he faced after meeting with Alice Weidel, the head of an anti-Islam, anti-immigration party in Germany. The instinct to suppress speech is present almost everywhere.
Does that mean the censors are winning? The tone of On Censorship seems pessimistic at points. But Ai’s own life story shows that it’s possible to get the better of the censor. If he has been able to chart a liberated path for himself—even at a great personal cost—then Americans facing far less risk can too.
The post Review: A Victim of Chinese Authoritarianism Explains Censorship and Surveillance appeared first on Reason.com.
Source: https://reason.com/2026/05/22/on-censorship/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,807,177,285 |
| Stories: | 8,644,271 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
