The ‘Despicable Me’ Minions Would Be Offended About This. . . .

Chinese netizens have been wondering if the real reason the movie Despicable Me 2 is banned in China is because the minions in the movie bear a striking resemblance to the cruel former leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Jiang Zemin.

The round and bespectacled minions are shown alongside the round and bespectacled former dictator in an episode of the program “China Uncensored” by New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV): http://www.ntd.tv/en/programs/news-politics/china-uncensored/20130807/82071-what-does-despicable-me-and-former-chinese-leader-jiang-zemin-have-in-common.html

However, there is one very important difference.  The minions are portrayed as cute and lovable creatures, while Jiang is anything but cute and lovable.  He was the mastermind behind the Nazi-style persecution of the Chinese meditation practice Falun Gong.

Jealous of the large number of followers, Jiang began trying to destroy the peaceful practice in 1999.  The persecution has continued to this day.

“What you might not know is that he was totally bonkers!” NTDTV reporter Chris Chappell comments in the program.  He shows a brief clip of Jiang ranting and raving, explaining that a reporter asked the former leader a question he didn’t appreciate.

“He spends the next several minutes destroying her,” Chappell adds.

The more complete footage of the former leader’s tirade at the reporter is shown with English translation on NTDTV’s website: http://www.ntd.tv/en/programs/news-politics/china-uncensored/20130808/82078-rare-footage-of-former-chinese-leader-jiang-zemin-freak-out-with-english-subs.html

Perhaps Chinese authorities don’t allow Despicable Me 2 because they’re worried that the comparison with Jiang will insult the former leader.

But isn’t it really the minions who should be insulted?

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/enerva/9068467267/ (Sonny Abesamis)