Advertiser trying to exploit others' misfortune challenges social values

LIKE MANY CITIES in Central China, Anyang of Henan province has been flooded as a result of the recent rainstorms. Yet an advertisement posted by a real estate company appeared in the ruins of one of its flooded villages: "Do you regret not having bought an apartment in the city? Come and buy one." Beijing Youth Daily comments:

The reported advertisement is discriminatory against those residing in rural areas, and it has aroused hot discussions online because it exaggerates the urban-rural gap.

As urban areas continue to prosper, people are already aware of the inequality between them, and the advertisement deals a psychological blow to those residing in rural areas.