Netizens decry moral decay in China

Updated: 2011-10-19 13:25

(chinadaily.com.cn)

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A 2-year-old girl, Yue Yue, was left bleeding on a street after a hit-and-run accident on Oct 13 in Foshan city of Guangdong province. Eighteen people walked past the girl, yet no one did anything to help her, only for the child to be hit by a second vehicle. She was finally rescued by an old trash collector and still remains in a deep coma. The apathy of the bystanders outraged netizens in China and worldwide, sparking their condemnation against the moral decline of society and call for a Good Samarian law in China. The following are some of their comments on China Daily website.

We really feel sad regarding such incidents happening in China. Why is it that there's no conscious person on earth to be helpful when such mishaps happen?

The driver should have been very careful and care more about public safety when driving on the road. He could have stopped to see what must be done & not escape the crime. He should be dealt with a stiffer penalty.

This also applies to the second driver, who could have stopped to assist to set a good example in being a helpful & responsible citizen. Not repeating the same act, which is a cruel crime.

We pray that the 2-year-old kid would be in good health & recover. Also, the parents of the kid should be more careful after this lesson, always be on alert with kids. This is what we can advise to all parents on earth.

Temujin33, from Malaysia, on China Daily website

I am absolutely horrified by the gross neglect of the witnesses to this tragedy. These people should be ashamed of themselves. Are there no Good Samaritan laws in China, or just no good Samaritans period? To allow this child to get hit not once, but twice, and to still walk by and ignore the bleeding child and do NOTHING...I hope these people believe in God and ask for his forgiveness, because if they don't, they will one day have to answer for this.

S.Ware, from the US, on China Daily website

This is what happens in a morally corrupt...."me first" culture. As the Central Committee meets in Beijing to discuss China's cultural development, it is high time the leadership moves to reform the moral fiber of this country.

Rex, from Beijing, China, on China Daily website

One should not be too quick to condemn.

It could be that the girl was not in obvious danger, so passers-by did not think there was a case to act upon.

Nevertheless, having seen the news, we should all say to ourselves to be observant of our surroundings, be determined to help when the occasion arises.

We must overcome our feelings of embarrassment for standing out in the crowd, and be a hero for the day.

Edwina Lee, from UK, on China Daily website

In the West, most countries have what are commonly referred to as "Good Samaritan Laws," which offer legal protection to bystanders, usually both trained and untrained, who offer assistance to someone in need. Protection is given only when the response is reasonable and well-intentioned. This improves the chance of getting assistance, while at the same time provides protection against any unreasonable bystander action. As a country that traditionally espouses looking out for each other, modern China would do well to implement its own Good Samaritan law.

Anonymous netizen, from Guangdong, China, on China Daily website