Weird But Customary Chinese Phenomena
Getting used to things would imply something positive or at least tolerable, but that is not always the case. In China, people have gotten accustomed to many situations that would ordinarily be considered negatives; for example, unjust governmental charges, violent evictions and mine disasters, which are frequent occurrences in China. Why are the people of China numb to these phenomena?
There have been many mine disasters in a least a half dozen locations in China this year alone including: Xinyu in Jiangxi Province, Xiangtan in Hu’nan Province, Yichuan in He’nan Province, Chengde in Hebei Province, Tacheng in Xinjiang Province and Jincheng in Shanxi Province. Although rescue attempts save the lives of many mineworkers, too many die too often and except for the media coverage, little if anything is ever done to improve working conditions in Chinese mines.
Unjust criminal charges happen everywhere, but they seem to be a conventional aspect of every day Chinese justice. Recently, a case of mistaken identity received national attention, and resulted in harsh treatment and 11 years in prison. All the man got was an apology and a bow when the head of the provincial court paid him a visit to his new home after his release.
The violent eviction of homeowners and the ambiguity of governmental plans concerning said properties, which is also known as the “black box eviction policy,” is a cause for social discontent and instability. Government officials act like street hoods although they never get their hands dirty. They hire malcontents to throw bricks into the houses at night and write threatening words on the gates.
Compounding the issue is the fact that local governments do not disclose information concerning why the land is being sold or what the land will be used for.
Homeowners are forced to sign compliance agreements to keep quiet about these violent evictions. Oddly, after the evictions, government subsidies granted to homeowners vary tremendously from province to province.
Some people lose everything they have ever owned and worked for while others become millionaires overnight.
These are just a few instances of governmental malaise, injustice and indifference.
Shadows of the Gestapo?
Who can say, but one can only wonder how any of these terrible situations could be accepted as normal in any caring society.
What do YOU think about this?
(Link)
By MDeeDubroff on 30-08-2010
