..續本文上一頁le have learned since a young age in school or the family is how to safeguard one”s own interest. The spirit of acting bravely for a just cause and as a virtuous “Good Samaritan” have been quietly washed out among us; now the credo people attach great value to is “do less, err less.”

　　In reporting this incident, Japanese newspapers blame this tragedy on China”s extreme zeal for rapid economic development at the expense of ethical values. It further states that China must possess more than just material wealth if it is to become a powerhouse in the world. That is, China must also command a strong spiritual culture. Regrettably, from elementary to college level, there is hardly a school curriculum that emphasizes the essentials on how to behave oneself, how to deal with people and handle things properly, how to care for the elders and the young, and how we must love and respect one another. Professor Zhang Weiyin of Peking University lamented: “China”s education program over the past few decades is a failure. In educating the young, it fails to cultivate students” inpidual creativity, and it ignores the nurturing of human ethics.”

　　Just because of this, another dismal incident occurred: “1.3 billion people failed to lift a fallen elder.” An 88-year-old man tumbled face down within 100 meters of his house. He tried to get up but could not make it due to lack of strength. As he was lying prone to the ground for an hour, more and more spectators gathered around, but none of them offered a supporting hand. It was not until the old man”s family heard about it that he was rushed to the hospital, but he eventually died from suffocation.

　　Why it is that none of the many onlookers was willing to come to his aid

　　 It is because they are afraid. A number of cases in recent years have taught the Chinese public that being a Good Samaritan can backfire. In one case, a young man was forced to pay compensation to a woman he had helped after she had fallen who later accused him of pushing her down in the first place. Therefore, people no longer try to assist elders.

　　Seeing what”s going on, Wu Zhipan, the deputy chairman of Peking University called for the university”s alumni to do good deeds: “As a member of Peking University, you should help a senior citizen who falls down in front of you. If he frames you, the university”s law department will offer you assistance. If you lose the lawsuit, the university will pay the compensation.”This statement, though brief, immediately caught fire on the Internet and triggered much applause and support. Nonetheless, someone also felt that society as a whole is indeed doomed when its members have lost public decency and expect legal protection if they are to give a hand to people in need.

　　Regarding this issue, Ting Zuolin, a faculty member at the International Media Research Center, School of Continuing Education, Tsinghua University, stated: “It”s a disgrace of our society that 1.3 billion people failed to lift a fallen elder. To say it bluntly, the moral ethics of China are at their nadir; now, enshrouded in this kind of dire apathy, we all fail together.”

　　In spite of his condemnation, today everyone still has the same dilemma to face: Suppose I see an elder lying hurt after a fall, shall I go ahead to help or not

　　 Among you sitting here today, please raise your hand if you will in such circumstance——

　　Those who are not willing to offer a hand do have their excuses. As I have just mentioned, a helper may be stung by an accusation and even found liable in court as the judge reasons: “If you had not injured the victim yourself, why on earth would you bother to help

　　” Indeed such befuddled verdicts have been issued and incited tremendous negative impact. It is also an indication that our society is losing its mo…

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