 CCTV named Hong Zhanhui one of the ten outstanding people in 2006, making him a national hero. But he's recently been criticized for making a sales pitch for his books after giving a speech to high school students. He told them he makes a 1.5 yuan commission on every book he sells. Lots of people think he's ruined his image as a role model.
Does the media agree?
A comment on China Youth Daily praises Hong Zhanhui as a brave soul. It says society shouldn't expect their heroes to live like saints, always giving and never demanding anything to meet their basic human needs. That's would kill all our heroes. It says a mature society should allow people to live life as they choose.
The Guangxi based Modern Life Daily also says a mature society allows its heroes to be human.
Another opinion on the People website says society has set up unrealistic requirements for its role models for a long time, expecting them to act like saints. These high expectations make our heroes less credible and bring them unnecessary troubles and worries. Society needs to adopt a more mature and realistic standard for role models.
Dahe Daily says society needs role models that people can relate to and learn from. Heroes should have human emotions. Saints are only for worship. It's absurd and immoral to ask a role model to behave like a saint.
One last comment in the Qilu Evening News praises Hong Zhanhui for his business acumen and attempt to take care of his long-term financial well-being. It says Hong Zhanhui comes from an impoverished background. He moves people because he has overcome great difficulties and strived to live a good life. He will not be respected if he continues to live a miserable life. He could be an even better model if he becomes a successful businessman, social activist and charitable donor.
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