Education and Betrayal Take Center Stage on Chinese Social Media as Students Study Under Streetlights and Netizens Express Outrage Over Teacher's 'Theft
In a recent series of posts on Chinese social media platform Weibo, users have been expressing outrage and sadness at various instances of perceived abandonment, betrayal, and theft of words. These posts range from students' determination to study in challenging conditions to a viral video that shows a teacher "stealing" a student's position at the top of a vocabulary list. The reactions of Weibo netizens have been varied and passionate, reflecting China's strong emphasis on education and respect for tradition.
15 November 2023
In one incident, students in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province have been studying late into the night under streetlights as they prepare for the postgraduate entrance exam. Ma, one of these students, has been studying from 7:30 am to 9 pm, only taking breaks for meals. He says that the library's warmth makes him feel drowsy, so he prefers to study in the cold wind. This extreme dedication is a testament to their commitment to education and desire for success.
However, not all news has been positive. Several posts highlight instances of teachers "abandoning" or betraying their students' trust. In particular, one student was moved from first place in a vocabulary list to second place by another student, causing distress among netizens. Many users have expressed support for the original first-place student and condemned the act of stealing someone's hard-earned achievement.
The theme of abandonment carries through many posts on Weibo. In a series of memes, a character named "Back" is portrayed as a thief who steals words from their original positions in the dictionary. This playful take on the issue reflects frustration with the act of abandoning or giving up on one's goals and values. The posts advocate for perseverance and determination, even in the face of adversity.
In another post, a mother expresses her outrage at her child being moved from first place to second in their vocabulary class. She states that this incident has caused her child distress and feels deceived by the teacher's actions. The use of an emotional appeal highlights the importance of education and respect for tradition in Chinese culture.
The reaction to these posts shows a deep concern among Chinese netizens for issues related to education, trust, and betrayal. They express their outrage, sadness, and frustration through jokes, memes, and emotional appeals, reflecting the importance of these values in contemporary China. The incident of students studying under streetlights demonstrates dedication, while the viral video of a student "being stolen" from first place represents betrayal and theft. These events have sparked a wide range of responses on Weibo, showcasing the depth of emotion and importance that Chinese society places on education and respect for tradition.
