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Opinion | In China, a horrific tragedy only brings forth apathetic glances

Charles Lee, leec2@muohio.edu

Several weeks ago, on Oct. 13, a disturbing accident happened in the Chinese city of Foshan. A two-year old child was reportedly hit by a small white van, and the incident was entirely recorded on CCTV. The footage showed the driver paused only to continue on his way, and crushed the child the second time by the rear wheel. It is not particularly this unfortunate accident, but it's what was recorded after the accident that was shocking to the world. Over a dozen passers-by are seen walking on the narrow road ignoring the lifeless child on the ground. The 19th passer-by, a street cleaner, stopped to help the dear child. She was brought to intensive care in a military hospital in Guangzhou, however, doctors said she was brain dead from critical injuries. China witnessed a helpless mother whose child had been brutalized by people's shocking apathy.

This footage spiraled China to reassess where its country is going in terms of social values and morals. Many viewers said China became a ‘world without morals.' Social media sites were raving with comments harshly criticizing the heartless actions of the passers-by. People say the Chinese have become hesitant to others who appear to be in distress over fears they will be blamed. In addition, people claim that "good Samaritans" are harder and harder to see in modern China. The busy, urban setting has left people indifferent to other people.

There are multiple cases that are similar to this tragedy. In 2006 in Nanjing, an old woman broke her leg after jostling at the bus stop. A young man helped her up and escorted her to a hospital. Later, the old lady brought him to court and demanded he pay 40 percent of the medical costs. The court decided in favor of the old lady.

The tragedy created a challenging obstacle for President Hu Jintao, who is in his final year of office, has made his main policy and slogan about creating a "harmonious society," because this seems hardly harmonious at all. However, Jintao has had many successes in keeping the country together after two earthquakes have hit the northwest and southwest region of the country.

The accident quickly became a political issue and government officials have urged for tighter controls in reporting the incident for fear of public backlash. People have used this tragedy to articulate that there is something wrong with modern China, and there is rising public discontent and anger. The Chinese public has become angered by the corruption in business and politics, the lack of rule of law, income disparities as well as the rising pollution problems in urban cities.

While China's economy makes its individuals richer and prosperous, the government might want to watch what kind of a society they're creating and act to correct its injustices.