We are living in truly strange times as Americans in an increasingly globalist society.

Most of us remember hearing the tales of American greatness abroad.  We were told that kids our age in other countries were absolutely enamored with our culture.  They wanted our Levis Jeans and Coca Cola, and music by Michael Jackson and Metallica.

This was an incredible boost for the American economy, of course, as we exported our popular media all across the planet.

Now, however, as China is creating an economy of severe and impressive momentum, America finds herself under the weight of that reality, particularly as it pertains to entertainment.

This week, after an NBA coach criticized China’s treatment of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, the Communist nation began to sever ties with the league creating an egregious impact on the American organization’s bottom line.

In an effort to mitigate the damage, ESPN has now instructed their hosts not to handle the sensitive subject.

ESPN warned hosts to avoid any political discussion of the relationship between China and Hong Kong, as the NBA continues trying to make amends with the communist nation after Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement on Friday.

According to a report from Deadspin, ESPN’s Senior News Director Chuck Salituro sent a memo to all staffers telling them to avoid talking about the political situation between Hong Kong and mainland China. Deadspin was also told that senior ESPN executives were monitoring all shows as they discussed the news of the day.

Breitbart writers noted the irony:

ESPN’s reticence to talk about the massive and endemic human rights violations stands in stark contrast to the network’s all-out support for the NBA’s boycott of North Carolina because of the Tar Heel State’s transgender bathroom law.

Of course, this begs the question:  Are American media producers caving to the Communist dictatorship of China?  And if so, what does this mean for “free speech”?

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