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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...agically-ugly-illustrations-in-maths-textbook
Investigation finds the books did not ‘properly reflect the sunny image of China’s children’
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.
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Social media users were largely amused by the illustrations, but many also criticised them as bringing disrepute and “cultural annihilation” to China, speculating they were the deliberate work of western infiltrators in the education sector.
Related hashtags were viewed billions of times, embarrassing the Communist party and education authorities who announced a review of all textbooks “to ensure that the textbooks adhere to the correct political direction and value orientation”.
In a lengthy statement released on Monday, the education authorities said 27 individuals were found to have “neglected their duties and responsibilities” and were punished, including the president of the publishing house, who was given formal demerits, which can affect a party member’s standing and future employment. The editor-in-chief and the head of the maths department editing office were also given demerits and dismissed from their roles.
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.
The highly critical statement found a litany of issues with the books, including critiquing the size, quantity and quality of illustrations, some of which had “scientific and normative problems”.
The investigation results were viewed and discussed by hundreds of millions of people on Weibo, with some questioning whether the punishments went far enough.
Investigation finds the books did not ‘properly reflect the sunny image of China’s children’
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.
Chinese influencer who ate great white shark investigated by police
Read more
Social media users were largely amused by the illustrations, but many also criticised them as bringing disrepute and “cultural annihilation” to China, speculating they were the deliberate work of western infiltrators in the education sector.
Related hashtags were viewed billions of times, embarrassing the Communist party and education authorities who announced a review of all textbooks “to ensure that the textbooks adhere to the correct political direction and value orientation”.
In a lengthy statement released on Monday, the education authorities said 27 individuals were found to have “neglected their duties and responsibilities” and were punished, including the president of the publishing house, who was given formal demerits, which can affect a party member’s standing and future employment. The editor-in-chief and the head of the maths department editing office were also given demerits and dismissed from their roles.
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.
The highly critical statement found a litany of issues with the books, including critiquing the size, quantity and quality of illustrations, some of which had “scientific and normative problems”.
The investigation results were viewed and discussed by hundreds of millions of people on Weibo, with some questioning whether the punishments went far enough.
