Celebrities should speak aloud

At the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the media have been focusing on some celebrity NPC deputies and CPPCC members. But some celebrity deputies and members have been trying to run away from journalists instead of speaking aloud about their proposals, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

The media focus on celebrities at the two sessions because of their popularity and to draw more readers and viewers to their newspapers and TV channels. So there is no reason for celebrity deputies and political advisers to avoid the media and thus their responsibility to let people know how they propose to deal with burning issues.

Besides, such celebrities should realize that they are deputies and political advisers first and stars later, and their primary job is to work for the betterment of society. In fact, celebrities are required to interact with the media when they are elected to the NPC and the CPPCC. Such celebrities can keep a low profile in their daily life. But during discussions on State affairs, they have to express their opinions and help solve social and other problems.

Trying to run away from journalists is not a good choice for celebrity deputies and political advisers. Instead, they should respect journalists and appreciate the opportunity the media offer them to express their views. Only when deputies and political advisers fulfill their responsibilities in letter and spirit and help the Party and government to build a better society can they be considered worthy of their posts.

Fake belly is a breach of trust

A woman in Beijing who found it difficult to travel on the city's crowded subway bought a "silicon belly" from an online retailer, and put it on to look pregnant and make sympathetic passengers give her their seat. Passengers discovered the ruse when her fake belly fell on the very first day she used it. The incident is reflective of the changing social mentality in China, says an article in Xi'an Evening News. Excerpts:

Silicon bellies are used by actresses as prop in films and TV programs. But some online retailers are trying to lure women to buy them so that they can fake pregnancy and get a seat on public vehicles. That fellow passengers still yield their seats to pregnant women is proof that people are still ready to help the infirm and needy.

But the business of selling silicon bellies is an affront to social morality. And how could such a business escape supervision?

Worse, after being found out, the woman blamed the poor quality of the silicon belly and even lodged a complaint with the local industrial and commercial administration against the product, instead of regretting her action.

Indeed, the woman cannot be accused of violating any law. But her action will make people doubt the condition of even genuinely pregnant women, who may now find it hard to get a seat on public vehicles.

The woman who wore the fake belly has done a great disservice to other women, especially the infirm and the mothers-to-be. Women should refrain from pulling such smart moves just for a little comfort.

(China Daily 03/06/2013 page10)