Workers deserve social recognition
The Time magazine has chosen Chinese workers as a runner-up for its Person of the Year award. Despite that Chinese workers are still in urgent need of social recognition and approval, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:
It is an irony that the humble Chinese worker has to suffer the consequences of the global financial crisis created by the movers and shakers on Wall Street. The Time magazine has said the millions of workers of China deserve the credit for keeping the country's economy on the fast growth track and thus stimulating the rest of the global economy.
The working heroes don't hanker after recognition. Their only desire is to earn enough to lead a decent life. But one of the most influential magazines in the world has recognized their contribution and greatness by naming them as the second most influential factor in steering the world economy. They indeed are "leading the world to economic recovery".
Sadly, though, Chinese workers' contribution has not been recognized in their own country. They get only a small percentage of the country's wealth and theirs is not a profession that attracts jobseekers, says a recent survey. Their income has hardly increased despite the rapid economic development, which ironically draws foreign investment. With the transformation in society, workers are no longer powerful figures. Many people are simply ashamed of being a worker.
Lack of recognition for workers is a dangerous sign in society. Our country is undergoing industrialization and urbanization, processes that cannot move ahead without the contribution of our workers.
Reform in the distribution of wealth alone cannot guarantee workers their due recognition. We have to establish a social regime for them. More importantly, we need a total transformation in social values and have to bridge the gap between different classes. It is society's responsibility to give back the glory to workers, which they so truly deserve.
(China Daily 12/24/2009 page9)
