Devotion to helping others

Chen Jiashun, a grassroots social security official from Qujing, Yunnan province, has been named as one of the top ten people that touched China in 2012. Since 2007, Chen has been working undercover in companies as a migrant worker to protect the legitimate rights of migrant workers. More officials should follow his example, says an article on xinhuanet.com. Excerpts:

It is Chen's selfless devotion that has touched people. Fame and wealth seem meaningless to Chen and he seems happy to help those in need. If the media hadn't discovered his story by accident, he would still be working anonymously as a migrant worker.

Chen has made undercover investigations of 678 companies in different industries in Yiwu and its surrounding counties in Zhejing province, identifying about 180 trustworthy companies for his fellow migrant workers. He has also mediated 780 disputes for migrant workers over the past four years and covered about 160,000 yuan ($25,660) of people's losses. Chen's investigations as an undercover migrant worker clearly demonstrate his responsible and careful attitude and show he is an ordinary official dedicated to the well-being of the people.

Chen is also a mirror reflecting right from wrong. Government officials at all levels should learn from him and work hard for the public good.

Ludicrous plots defy belief

There are around 50 TV crews shooting in Hengdian World Studio making TV dramas set during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. However, most of them shouldn't bother as audience fatigue is setting in, says an article in Wuhan Evening News. Excerpts:

Audiences are tired of dramas about the Second Sino-Japanese War, which were omnipresent on television last year. Such dramas, which are supposed to advocate patriotism, remind people of a shameful page in our history, pay our respects to our ancestors and encourage the younger generation to work hard, have been led astray by their desire to entertain.

The writers have challenged people's suspension of disbelief and tolerance with absurd plots intended to attract young audiences. For example, love stories of all kinds have become indispensable and a PLA soldier falling in love with the enemy is now indispensable.

But what most annoys viewers is that TV dramas are becoming increasingly unrealistic. Scenes such as an enemy plane being destroyed by a grenade have made it difficult for parents to explain to children why the war lasted eight years given such gallant soldiers and such explosive firepower.

It is a tragedy for the nation that television shows have become junk food for the eyeballs. For the sake of the bitter historical lesson, those making television programs should respect historical truth and accept their social responsibilities.

(China Daily 02/27/2013 page9)