Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry All Named Threats to China

I have something in common with the Chinese Ministry of Culture.  I don't like the Backstreet Boys, either.

But unlike the Chinese governent, I merely consider them mere nuisances, not a threat to my personal safety and security.  Lady Gaga and Katy Perry have also been classified as potentially destablizing.

All this information comes through a list of one hundred songs ordered purged from the Chinese interwebs after failing some kind of government screening.  The official reason is that these songs were harming national culture security.  They violate the "poor taste and vulgar content" directives, they say.  

No, I'm not joking.

Some fourteen music websites in China have been given until September 15th to remove the offending. Failure to comply means prosecution.

Although most of the songs are from Taiwanese pop stars, there are six Lady Gaga songs on the banned list.  "The Edge of Glory," "Marry the Night," "Hair, "Americano," "Juda" and "Bloody Mary" all violate official sensibilities.  So does "Run the World (Girls)" from Beyonce and, er, "I Want It That Way" from the Backstreet Boys.

The fact that Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" involves a lyrical menage a trois is a little less surprising.

Even Canadian popsters Simply Plan--who are huge in Asia, by the way-- have been deep-sixed over four songs.

Other artists on the list:

Britney Spears:  BANNED

Eminem:  BANNED

Owl City:  BANNED

Christina Aguilera:  BANNED

Kylie Minoque:  BANNED

More here.