Han Han, a celebrity writer in China, is mulling filing a lawsuit against Fang Zhouzi, a well known anti-fraud campaigner, which indicates that the fight between the two is escalating. The argument will have a profound influence on Chinese society and might constitute a new milestone of plural opinion in China.
The diversity of public opinion in China starts with criticism of government authorities. Han's special experience and achievements in the literary world make him a representative of those who criticize and mock the government and authorities. Although still a young man, he enjoys the greatest power over public opinion in China, which is rare in the world.
But it is inevitable for a god-like opinion-leader like Han to come under question. It would come in any country with free speech sooner or later. It is a kind of conditioned response to the possible appearance of an absolute authority in terms of opinion. Fang's challenge to Han's authority fits the potential demand of society, so he will attract a lot of attention through the argument, while Mai Tian, who was among the first to question Han in his microblog, will also be remembered by the public.
Numerous netizens support Han, but Fang also has the backing of many. The most famous critic in China is being questioned, which has caused some boundaries to disappear. This shows the essence of pluralism.
Han has the right to defend his reputation. His supporters are rather extreme in attacking Fang. It reflects many people's reluctance to let their idol go. The fierce and extreme argument taking place between the two sides is a conflict particular to modern Chinese society.
If Han wants to keep his privilege of not being questioned, he will lose. If he aims to demonstrate the facts, accept the result of his argument and embrace his more complicated new image and position in public opinion, he will enter a new level of understanding.
The legacy of the argument will be for the Chinese public. Neither Han nor Fang will gain a sweeping victory from this fight. When Chinese society is trying to straighten out its issues in thoughts and opinion, as public figures, neither should let the public down and set bad examples by adopting unscrupulous means to win the fight.
As a famous American justice once said, it is inevitable to make mistakes in free comments. But the right to make mistakes should be protected, because the spread of truth needs such space. His words are worth listening to for those taking in the argument between Han and Fang.
The quality of debate in China urgently needs to be raised. The Han-Fang fight might provide a chance for such an improvement.