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The reality behind image

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-10 07:37

The exposure of the crime committed by popular singer Zang Tianshuo shows that some entertainment celebrities have a weak sense of social responsibility and self-discipline, says an article in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

Singer Zang Tianshuo is in the custody of the Beijing police because he was involved in a murder following a fight five years ago in Langfang, a neighboring city of Beijing. It is reported that Zang has been involved in many other criminal cases, too.

The arrest of Zang has aroused wide attention of the public about the wrongdoings by celebrities. It is because Zang's behavior is not only illegal but also is in sharp contrast with his public image. Last July, he vowed to shoulder the social responsibility of an entertainment performer by signing his name on the self-discipline paper, together with a batch of other celebrities in the entertainment circle. His frequent appearances in charity programs had helped him maintain a healthy image among the public.

In a latest online survey, 90 percent of the respondents believed Zang Tianshuo has been involved in criminal cases. It shows that people's trust in these stars is fragile. It also shows that the social responsibility and spirit of self-discipline demonstrated by some stars before the public is unreal.

At present, people are still wondering why the string-puller behind a murder that took place five year ago was not tracked down until now. If the thug who worked for Zang had not confessed to Zang's criminal acts, Zang would have been still favored by his fans on the stage.

Some people might be heart-broken, for in their eyes, Zang has been the representative of brotherhood by virtue of an old song "Friend", which first made Zang famous in the music circle. But brotherhood cannot solve every problem for Zang.

(China Daily 11/10/2008 page4)