China punishes 27 people over 'tragically ugly' illustrations in maths textbook

[TheProle]

Chinese authorities have punished 27 people over the publication of a maths textbook that went viral over its “tragically ugly” illustrations.

A months-long investigation by a ministry of education working group found the books were “not beautiful”, and some illustrations were “quite ugly” and did not “properly reflect the sunny image of China’s children”.

The mathematics books were published by the People’s Education Press almost 10 years ago, and were reportedly used in elementary schools across the country. But they went viral in May after a teacher published photos of the illustrations inside, including people with distorted faces and bulging pants, boys pictures grabbing girls’ skirts and at least one child with an apparent leg tattoo.

The statement said the illustrators and designers were “dealt with accordingly” but did not give details. They and their studios would no longer be engaged to work on textbook design or related work, it said.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/23/china-punishes-27-people-over-tragically-ugly-illustrations-in-maths-textbook?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[Irish_Dem]

1. The image of Chinese children as sunny, bright, adorable is a really important optic for Beijing.

It was shoved down our throats ad nauseam in the last Olympics.

Chinese children are in fact exceptionally adorable, but using them to make China seem less ominous and threatening seems a bit much.

[Kid Berwyn]

2. Graphic Artists & Designers Reeducation Camp 247

They know the drill.