Sharp complainers mostly want attention

Source:Global Times Published: 2013-12-25 0:13:01

There seems to be no end to the long line of people who take to social networks to express complaints and grievances after they resign from their posts. In the latest instance, associate professor at Northwest University of Politics and Law, Shen Hongguo, announced his resignation on Weibo, saying that the space for his teaching and academic communication has become less, and if he continues teaching, it means he has to give up the principles he has long held.

The case has aroused great concern on the Internet. Days ago, a producer from China Central Television voiced his blunt criticism of the TV station after he was fired, and his experience won sympathy on the Internet.

The Chinese people always promote harmonious relations with colleagues and bosses, even if one has to leave his workplace. However, recently many intellectuals have criticized their employers after they resigned. There may be two reasons. One is that they have a lot of grievances to utter and the other is that the Internet welcomes such rebellious voices. These people, with the hope of gaining fame and some personal interests by criticizing their institutions, are viewed as examples of opponents to the system.

Currently, there are many liberal intellectuals working for colleges and universities. While being regulated by the same system, some can manage it well but some feel they are constrained. Whether they will end up in a clash with their workplace is largely determined by their personalities. It would be farfetched to think that people like Shen did so merely for their so-called political freedom rather than finding excuses for escaping academic evaluations.

It is normal if such cases happen in Western universities, no matter whether the faculty member resigns or is dismissed. However, due to the differences between the Chinese and Western political systems, such cases in China are more likely to be seen as  political events.

After people like Shen resign, they also face competition of other kinds, such as their popularity on the Internet and whether they will be held in esteem by dissidents. Such competition is not that easy though. Not every dissident can become an Ai Weiwei or a Chen Guangcheng. Their experiences do not necessarily become the driving force for the next phase of their career.

As society becomes more diverse, the environment for those anti-system people has been relaxed. This will lead to more people leaving their workplaces with open criticism. These people will help promote the depth of the diversity of society. As long as China becomes more prosperous and powerful, everyone, including dissidents, will enjoy the fruits of this development. Those who oppose China's system will gain more support from Western forces as well as similar forces in China. Hopefully they can acquire more wisdom from their experiences.

Posted in: Editorial

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