An official was killed when asking for special service from a service maid. Regardless of how rude or offensive the official's conduct was, it can never justify the act of killing on the part of the maid. But public opinion appears to be more sympathetic to the maid, says an article in Chongqing Times. Excerpt:

It took place in the county of Badong, Hubei province in central China. A maid grappled with three local officials in a pedicure shop when the latter asked for special service. In the ensuing scuffle the maid struck out with her pedicure knife, stabbing one of the officials to death by accident. It was said when the maid refused their request, one official struck the maid on her head with a stack of cash. Whatever happened between them, public opinion showed unanimous sympathy for the maid. How can this be?

The case is still under investigation, but it is quite natural for anyone to believe that a 21-year-old service maid will not fight with three male officials for no reason. Apparently many would prefer to believe that the maid's self-respect was hurt to a degree beyond her tolerance.

Of course, public sympathy does not mean that our society is too indifferent to lament the loss of a life.

Behind the story is the cruel fact that it is hard for the underprivileged to protect their dignity. In the face of power and money, the cost of protecting their dignity can sometimes be too high - it might even cost them their life. This is because those who are in a disadvantaged position have no choice. They can hardly get any result even if they lodge a complaint with the government. The only way for the disadvantaged is to swallow the insults and accept the fact that they will have to get on with life bereft of personal dignity.

Our society is in the process of a transition. Hopefully we will develop a social environment where everyone, no matter what they do, find their self-esteem fully respected.

(China Daily May 14, 2009)