 Anchor: Beijing Normal University Professor Ji Guangmao became the focus of media attention recently for posting blog entries insulting and cursing a fellow professor, Zhong Hua, who criticized his recent book. Under heavy pressure from netizens, Professor Ji deleted the disparaging remarks from his blog, but claims the situation is not yet over.
Chinese around the country have voiced their opinions.
Report:
Web site China.com carries a commentary saying it's a shame to see a difference in academic views devolve into cursing and name-calling. Professor Ji could have dismissed the criticisms by providing solid arguments refuting them. He reacted so vehemently because he is not confident in his book, and he's afraid it will fail to make money. The articles he wrote didn't give him an advantage over the other professor, but rather, revealed his ignorance and lack of basic manners.
A commentary from the Dahe Daily says this issue revealed two problems within academic circles. One is that some scholars are unworthy of their titles. They squander most of the money allocated to them for research projects, and thus cannot come up with convincing results. Another problem is that criticisms today are often superficial and irrelevant, which is why scholars often bristle at criticism.
A commentary from the People's Daily says in the Internet age, the public listens less to scholars because they have their own channels through which to voice opinions. In order to gain publicity, some scholars resort to other means. Some become guest hosts on television shows, and others begin to speak for enterprises. The commentary says it is a positive development to see scholars with stronger personalities and diverse interests, but a loss of basic dignity and grace should not accompany this gain.
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