Commentary: The exploitation of netizen anger has become an industry

by yilong on 2009-03-19 10:31:03

The scandal involving a female student from Beijing Foreign Studies University, known as "Chanel," has been making waves. "Chanel" insists that she was retaliated against for criticizing the education system in her blog posts. However, the school claims she voluntarily took a leave of absence rather than being forcibly expelled. Fellow students, on the other hand, say that the "perfume girl" is simply hyping herself up. Although the truth is not yet clear, every element — the pretty young woman from a prestigious school, the crusader criticizing the education system through her blog, and the victimized narrative of being expelled in retaliation — is perfectly suited for sensationalism and caters to the prurient interests of the masses. Still, it's best to first ascertain the facts before making judgments or comments. Don't be too hasty or presumptive in wielding the moral cudgel, don't let yourself be led by the nose, and don't allow the judgment and emotions pre-set by information of unknown origin to infect you.