National Geographic censors itself
The latest issue of the popular magazine National Geographic sold in Hong Kong comes with a warning that it is unsuitable for readers under 18 because it contains computer-generated images of a naked Neanderthal woman holding a spear.
In an apparent overreaction by its publisher in Taiwan to recent obscenity rulings in Hong Kong, the October issue of the monthly's Chinese-language edition is being sold in a transparent plastic packet with a warning about the contents.
'This article contains material which may offend and may not be distributed, circulated, sold, hired, given, lent, shown, played or projected to a person under the age of 18 years,' it states.
Legislator Wong Yuk-man said it highlighted the absurdity of the city's anti-pornography law. Displaying the magazine during yesterday's policy address debate, the League of Social Democrats chairman said the four pictures in question were just computer-created illustrations of the appearance of ancient man.
'The article is about discovery of some fossils of ancient man,' he said. 'Some pictures show the breasts. And one of them shows the private parts.