Since laws and regulations allow people to set off firecrackers on specific occasions, the anti-firecracker camp can only promote its idea and persuade the opposite camp not to celebrate Spring Festival with firecrackers. Respect for grassroots laborers and understanding their problems are one thing, and forcing others' to give up their rights is quite another.

The real issue the cleaner-couple's photograph has raised is not whether we should or should not set off firecrackers, but how we can reduce the work pressure of street cleaners during the Spring Festival. Firecracker fans have the right to indulge in their type of celebration but they should not cause problems for others and try to leave as little rubbish as possible in the streets. This is not only to ease the burden of street cleaners, but also to fulfill their duty as responsible citizens.

Even though restricting firecrackers is a debatable issue, the authorities should pass regulations on cleaning the garbage left by firecrackers, such as requiring people to set off firecrackers at specified sites and clean up the rubbish in order to ease the burden of street cleaners.

Another reason why the couple's plea has gone viral is that people know how tough the working conditions of grassroots laborers, especially street cleaners, are. There is a serious discrepancy between street cleaners' meager income and their heavy workload and tough working conditions. It is good to help street cleaners, but we should realize that "chicken soup for the soul" style appeals are not the type of help they need.

The real way to help street cleaners is to seek improvement in their working conditions, protection of their rights and interests, and increment in their salaries. And all this can be done by the authorities.

The author is a writer with China Daily. wangyiqing@chinadaily.com.cn