Letters and Blogs

Hawkers are integral part of society

Comment on the article, "Harmony on the streets where we live" (May 12, 2009 China Daily)

The author spoke on behalf of the majority of people living in China. Instead of elaborating on his own personal tastes, beliefs and opinion, he testified that he does exactly what almost everybody else does: "Enjoy the rock-bottom prices offered by these vendors, and do a bit of roadside shopping".

If peddlers were not useful for and welcome by most of us, they would have vanished from the scene long time ago. They are providing a good service to society and contributing to "a vibrant social scene". And unlicensed hawkers are helping society in another way - fighting unemployment and avoiding turning into lumpen proletariat.

Sure, they could destroy the middle class's clean environment that has become an important part of a modern city, and create hygiene problems. For that they need to be addressed and helped in a humane way.

In many places around Beijing, I have noticed that local authorities have found convenient spots to let hawkers do business in a decent and socially profitable way.

Hawkers must be encouraged to work in a way acceptable to all, including licensed shop owners who suffer losses because of them.

The most salient aspect of the article is the insight into the problems faced by para-police personnel, the "infamous" chengguan. As the author says, it is easy to understand that they "can become frustrated and prone to violence". Their mission, irrespective of their excesses, can be described as mission impossible.

Such complex and delicate problems, differing in gravity and nuances from place to place, require an impartial and open-minded approach both from the public and legislators. It is easy to condemn and complain. But it is a scientific task to formulate good and comprehensive laws on this issue, which requires the help and the participation of all in society.

Cervini

Via e-mail

We need proper sex education

Comment on the article, "Sex theme park closed prematurely" (China Daily Website, May 18, 2009)

As scholar Xia Xueluan said, Chinese people have always regarded sex a private affair. Chinese people in general lack the necessary sex education, which is the cause of their ignorance about their body. That in turn is the reason why cases of ovarian and uterine cysts, prostate and breast cancers and other sex-related diseases are rising.

Being upset or embarrassed to talk about your body only indicates your ignorance about sex. Knowing how your body works is normal, and should not be a source of embarrassment.

Ignorance can only be fought with knowledge. We may not be sure whether we need sex-themed parks, but for sure, we need to develop the right attitude toward sex education. A reader

On China Daily Website

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(China Daily 05/20/2009 page9)