Need to give square dancing a human face

Every citizen has the right to use public facilities. So how can the government effectively coordinate between conflicting interests? Most complaints against public square dancing are because of the loud noise it creates. The law against noise pollution that took effect in 1997 is not of much help in this regard because it is quite vague on the permissible decibel level in public areas.

Besides, it is difficult to impose the same standard throughout the country. But legislators in some cities could try out pilot legislation to make the standard suitable to local conditions. And only in this way can frictions between square dancing groups and those opposed to it be reduced.

More importantly, the government should provide sufficient public facilities and service to make square dancing possible in public areas.

The joint departmental announcement encourages public square dancing and urges local authorities to provide convenient public venues and facilities for such an activity. This has heightened the opposing groups' concerns over whether the limited urban public spaces will be "officially" occupied by dancing Dama. The authorities should realize that the dearth of public spaces is the prime reason for the controversy over square dancing. Hence, to meet Dama's square dancing requirements, the authorities have to provide more public facilities and services, rather than undermine other groups' rights to access public spaces.

Properly dealing with public square dancing is of great significance in today's China, which faces increasing pressure of an aging society. Public square dancing is not only a mass recreational activity that many senior citizens enjoy, but also the most widespread workout and social interaction channel for them. Therefore, encouraging public square dancing by providing more convenient venues and facilities is conducive to not only helping senior citizens lead a healthy life, but also have a harmonious effect on society.

The author is a writer with China Daily. wangyiqing@chinadaily.com.cn