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(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-11 08:22

Topic: But is it an art?

Cheng Li, a 57-year-old performance artist who had sex in public as part of an exhibition, was sentenced to a year in a labor camp. Images of the "show" at a Beijing gallery have been widely spread online.

Sex is instinctive of human being and is private behavior. Compared with animals, which hardly select a time and place to have sex, human show more dignity and self-restraint. This is important, as it makes humans different from animals. Labeling sexual intercourse as performance art makes little sense. Can anything be called art if it betrays the social morality?

"PINGFU OBSERVING LIFE" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 17,693

If such a performance can be called art, I'm afraid all the pornographic film producers will be delighted to promote their movies as "literary works". Meanwhile, film bureaus should open their doors for the censorship of such movies.

"ZHANDA" ON 163; FOLLOWERS: 18

Cheng wanted to lash out at the over-commercialization within China's contemporary art circle. Although he crossed the bottom line of social decency, I think his work expresses the disappointment of an old artist whose dreams have broken. After all, people have the freedom to show their feelings.

"WEIZI EVA" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 216

Topic: Singer drunk behind wheel

Pop singer Gao Xiaosong caused a three-car pileup in Dongzhimen on Monday night when he crashed his SUV while driving home drunk from a party. He told police he had downed a bottle of white wine and a bottle of liquor.

Gao has refused to accept any interviews after the accident. He only wrote down the words: "Sorry, never drive when drunk." I hope he really takes this as a lesson and keeps his promise.

"1039ZHUANGJUANJU" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 384

Despite his celebrity, under the tough new road laws (introduced on May 1) Gao should be sentenced to several months in prison. His sentencing will be a test for China's law enforcement. We should follow the case to see whether all are equal before the law.

"XIANGNIANRUFENG" ON 163; FOLLOWERS: 82

Like many other celebrities, Gao is said to hold a foreign passport. Even it's true, a foreign identity can't change the fact he broke the law and should not help him avoid punishment. As a foreigner he should abide by Chinese laws. Foreigners who break the law should be deported and should not be allowed to return.

"JIANBUKECUI" ON IFENG; FOLLOWERS: 282

Topic: Death for chengguan killer

Xia Junfeng, a 34-year-old who sold BBQ skewers on the streets of Shenyang, was sentenced to death on Monday for the murders of two urban management officers (more commonly known as chengguan) in 2009. The court rejected his claim that the killings were in self-defense.

Street peddling, as an occupation, has a long history. Xia chose to be a street vendor to cope with the pressure of life. Maybe our cities could make some space for street vendors.

"WUDUK6" ON 163; FOLLOWERS: 48

Xia committed a criminal violation, so I think the sentence is proper. His poor life deserves people's sympathy, but that doesn't excuse the fact Xia killed two urban management officers.

"WUHAN" ON IFENG; FOLLOWERS: 1

Which is more important: a person's well being or urban appearance? If the significant problem of people's livelihood can't be solved, a clean city is meaningless.

"LIANGMANZHIWU" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 17

Chengguan officers are entitled to carry out their duties in keeping a city's appearance, but some of them should do it in a polite and civilized way. - "HUAHUA" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 32

(China Daily 05/11/2011 page)