gobbledonk Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 This story illustrates the importance of understanding something beyond the *mechanics* of a language: http://www.news.com.au/world/china-paper-falls-onions-sexiest-kim/story-fndir2ev-1226525297228 A CHINESE Communist Party newspaper reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un had been named 2012's "Sexiest Man Alive." The People's Daily website published two paragraphs lifted word-for-word from satirical US website The Onion, along with a photo gallery of 55 images of Kim, who took over as the North's leader after his father Kim Jong-Il died last December. The newspaper, known for keeping to the Communist Party line, described the organisation awarding the title as "US website The Onion", but made no mention of satire and published the report in both English and Chinese as world news. "With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman's dream come true," The Onion said in its original report, quoted by the People's Daily. "Blessed with an air of power that masks an unmistakable cute, cuddly side, Kim made this newspaper's editorial board swoon with his impeccable fashion sense, chic short hairstyle, and, of course, that famous smile." China is North Korea's sole major ally and economic lifeline, providing it major food and fuel aid. Pyongyang's reliance on Beijing has increased as international sanctions over its missile and nuclear programs have strangled its ability to secure international credit and foreign trade. The People's Daily cited The Onion's supposed style and entertainment editor "Marissa Blake-Zweiber" as saying of Mr Kim: "He has that rare ability to somehow be completely adorable and completely macho at the same time."' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Munchmaster Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 He has that rare ability to somehow be completely adorable and completely macho at the same time. Sounds like me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huumlaar Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 I've been watching the news about this all day, every one is running the story, I feel sorry for the poor humourless twat that ok'd the story, no doubt he will be boring other inmates in jail soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobbledonk Posted November 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2012 I've been watching the news about this all day, every one is running the story, I feel sorry for the poor humourless twat that ok'd the story, no doubt he will be boring other inmates in jail soon. Dunno - not sure if the Chinese even care about foreigners having a laugh at something like this - at least not at their government-sponsored newsagency. Given that these people can keep a straight face when reporting land grabs as 'progress', I suspect that it takes a lot to embarrass them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.