Mob justice after brutal killing(2)

Anger and mob justice

The People's Daily published a commentary on the issue on Monday, stating that responding to "cold-blooded actions with cold-blooded actions" was nothing more than revenge, which would harm efforts to construct a civil society.

Zhou Xiaozheng, a professor of sociology from the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday that people should be more rational when it comes to judging those who have demonstrated immorality, instead of disorderly using violence in response to a violent crime.

"Judging them using subjective criteria is undesirable," He said. "Organizations should take responsibility at this time, for example, the Women's Federation, which should take the responsibility of organizing education for women."

Other experts questioned whether there were cultural aspects involved.

Wu Changzhen, a professor specializing in women's studies from China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times that the thought that women are inferior to men, a vestige of feudal Chinese society, may have had an impact on Tan's decision, but it was more of an isolated case as her choice was hard to fathom.

"I've seldom come across similar precedents in our studies," Wu said. "Most women would not do this for fear that their husbands may maintain a longer relationship with the other girl, and it's inconceivable to many people that she could treat someone else's life with so much indifference."

The angel girl

Zhou Chang told the Global Times Sunday that Hu had dreamed of being a nurse and taking care of others since she was very small, noting that "while she was working in the hospital, she took the job very seriously and was never late."

"She has a bright, outgoing and lively personality," A friend of Hu, surnamed Liang, who also worked with her as an intern nurse at the Huanan People's Hospital, told the Global Times Saturday.

Thousands of Net users visited Hu's blog after the incident and left comments, praising her for her kindness and expressing sorrow at her death.

An impromptu mourning activity took place on July 30 at the local county square, in which people lit candles and launched lanterns into the sky, praying for the "angel girl."

Amid the outpouring of sadness, many people have expressed their view that helping others is too dangerous.

"I never ever want to be a person ready to help others," Zhou Chang said. "And this is also in our other friends' minds. We cannot accept that she was killed trying to be good."

"Many people call you the most beautiful girl, but I would rather you were the most ugly and vicious person, than have this be the result of your kindness," wrote a friend of Hu on her blog.