Good manners mandatory for online debates

CELEBRITY TV host and producer, Cui Yongyuan, took fire online after he recently responded sharply to criticism by students from an agricultural university of his previous posts against genetically modified food. A Beijing Times commentator says personal attacks have no place in public debates.

Recriminations or bickering, especially in the public sphere, are the least courteous and efficient way to debate any public issue. With the lack of education about public manners, it is unfair to say Cui's manner was wrong just because he is famous.

The argument was ignited by Cui's long-time opposition against GM food. Before the online quarrel, there was already one article saying Cui was evil because he was ignorant of the technology involved. I am not joining the debate about the pros and cons of GM foods. But I am very happy to see people like Cui standing firmly in the battlefield of public opinion.