Around the world, people believe different things. This, in turn, has led to every culture having its own unique framework for what is morally acceptable and what is not. Sometimes this even results in different things being outlawed in various parts of the world that might be viewed as a bit strange to others. We look at ten of the oddest things which have been banned across the world.
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Jogging
In Burundi, jogging in groups was outlawed by the President Pierre Nkurunziza in March 2014 who claimed that this would lead to people taking part in rebellious activities. Many opposition members have been jailed for the same.
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Chewing Gum
Singapore has strict rules about cleanliness and keeping the nation clean. Singapore has banned the import or sale of gum with the exception being for people who use the same for medical purposes. The ban came into effect in 1992 when chewing gum was used to affect public transportation systems.
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Ketchup
France outlawed ketchup after it came to attention to many that the younger generation was using ketchup with nearly all cuisine. There was a fear that if this continued, the taste for original French cuisine would be lost and hence this ban was instated. However, small amounts of ketchup are permitted to be eaten with fries.
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Blue Jeans
North Korea specifically has issued a ban on jeans which are of color blue. According to online reports, the color blue is associated with the United States of America which prompted North Korea to bring a ban into effect.
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Gambling
The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is known worldwide for its splendor and of course gambling. However, citizens of Monaco are banned from gambling at the casino. This rule was established by Prince Charles III in the 1860s when the casino was developed to prevent citizens from losing all their money.
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Black Cars
In Turkmenistan black color cars are banned. The country gets summer temperatures as high as 60 degrees Celsius and driving around in black cars in such heat supposedly were a cause of health concern leading to the ban.
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Flip Flop Sandals
The island of Capri, Italy has banned flip flop sandals. The popular tourist destination has outlawed flip flops and other sandals which make loud noises.
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Ponytails On Men
Iran has strict rules for how men are to maintain their manes. This means no ponytails on males. In 2010 the government even issued a list of hairstyles which are appropriate for men.
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Kinder Surprise Egg Chocolates
The delicious chocolate egg treat which comes with a surprise toy has been banned in the United States. There were concerns regarding the choking hazard which could result by the toy and hence resulted in a ban. Many people have been detained for trying to bring these into the country.
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Scrabble
Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu banned the much loved game ‘Scrabble’ as he was opposed to it.
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Other Bans Include
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Time Travel
Not time travel per se, but movies or books depicting any sort of time travel is banned in China. Authorities felt that time travel depicts history in a playful manner and found it to be disrespectful which led to the ban.
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Avatar in 2D
The Chinese government felt that the general theme of the movie was not appropriate for its audiences. Their solution was to ban 2D screenings of the film and since 3D screens are scarce, the film was hardly watched by anyone.