Why is filmmaker treated partially?

This is not a judgment on hukou as a policy, but the authorities do not apply the norms equally on all citizens. Zhang's case reflects a dark side of our society - for ordinary people, the regulation is strict and unmerciful, but for celebrities and other members of the privileged class, it is soft and can be easily bent for convenience.

Celebrities, as an unwritten norm, enjoy a lot more social benefits than ordinary people. But that does not mean they are different in the eyes of the law. The authorities should realize that if they bend regulations to please powerful figures, they would only end up damaging the credibility and dignity of their departments.

But the worst part of such biased action is the travesty of social justice. In the 1970s, US political scientist John Rawls made the famous remark: "Equality is not to be achieved by worsening the position of the least advantaged." China's ancient philosophers, too, criticized society for "benefiting the advantaged at the cost of the disadvantaged". These two dictums should serve as a warning for law enforcement officers in China, who are considered the defenders of social justice.

Until now Zhang has not responded to the controversy in his personal capacity. But his friend and TV star Liu Peiqi told the media that "Zhang belongs to the elite group" and "elites should have the privilege of having more children for the good of the State".

Such strange and indefensible comments reflect the thinking of the "elites". They want the rich, the powerful and the famous to be granted undue privileges in every aspect of life. Such voices, no doubt, will be considered harmful when Chinese society makes equity and justice one of its top goals.

The author is a writer with China Daily.

Email: zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 12/06/2013 page9)

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