Questioned by netizens about his behavior in Yunnan province, philanthropist Chen Guangbiao said he did not mean to show off when he posed for photographs with disaster survivors. Charity needs someone like Chen because it is still in its developing stages in the country, says an article in Shanghai Morning Post. Excerpts:

It would be right to describe Chen Guangbiao's behavior in Yunnan as high-profile rather than "exhibitionist". His deeds have indeed helped promoted a sense on philanthropy among people.

Though it is important to honor the dignity of survivors, critics would do well to ask what the survivors feel about Chen's actions instead of labeling him a showoff.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of a philanthropist's actions, especially because charity is still in its developing stages in China. The idea should be to judge actions like that of Chen's in the proper perspective, that is, whether they spread charity or not.

Charity has not penetrated the upper echelons of Chinese society. The total donations for 2006, for example, was only 10 billion yuan ($1.523 billion), less than what just one billionaire donates in a developed country.

Under such circumstances, it is important to support people like Chen even if they tend to act a bit differently at times.