'Generation Gap' is a monthly series where we ask two Beijingers from two different generations their thoughts on a random issue. This time we ask Li, 36 and Wang, 18 about the giant screens live broadcasting jaywalkers at red lights.
What do you think of the decision of Tongzhou district authorities to install a giant screen at a red light, in order to live broadcast jaywalkers?
Li, 36
“Jaywalking is a behavior that goes against traffic regulations and has proven to be extremely hard to control. I believe there’s a need for stronger action to tackle the problem and that we should increase the cost of violating the rules. I do not consider this kind of deterrent to be excessive. On the contrary, I believe it’s not strict enough! For example, to stream offenders live on the screen doesn’t affect them all that much – the people around them do not know who they are. This is just one way of tackling the problem, but there might be more effective and strict ones. I know offenders might also have to pay a fine, but this kind of penalty is almost never carried out. I only saw this happen once!”
Wang, 18
“I believe that the authorities are right in their decision of installing the screen. This behavior of chaotically crossing the road threatens everybody’s personal safety, and broadcasting offenders live on screen is a good way to make people feel ashamed. It’s a way to make offenders ‘lose face.’ Some people think this is really wrong because it hinders a person’s freedom and autonomy, but this habit of jaywalking is already widespread, and results in copycats. People look at others and say ‘Oh he’s crossing, so I’ll cross too.’ In Beijing I see a lot of jaywalkers, and I believe this is a very bad habit. It can cause incidents and really hurt people. I personally always respect the rules.”
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