From Chinese Press

Setting a bad example

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-06 07:19

Released by Beijing police after 14 days' detention for drug abuse, Hong Kong actor Max Mok wrote in his microblog as if nothing serious had happened and his agent said his detention was "a blessing in disguise". Their indifference to the episode has invited netizens' criticism, says an article on eastday.com. Excerpts:

Netizens are shocked with the way Max Mok has reacted to his detention for drug abuse. His natural demeanor is not what professional ethics calls for. That, of course, doesn't mean people shouldn't forgive him.

But forgiveness should never be unconditional, for it could encourage other celebrities as well as ordinary people to indulge in such activities.

Everybody has to abide by certain ethics, and that applies especially to public figures. After all, drug abuse is no small matter. For any industry to develop in a healthy and sound manner, it is important that its players abide by professional ethics.

The loss of professional ethics and celebrities' indifference toward social responsibility are worrying trends. If public figures continue to set the wrong examples, they will invite more public criticism. But what is worse is that they could unwittingly encourage other people to follow in their footsteps.

(China Daily 05/06/2011 page9)