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Pampering and too many women turn boys into weaklings
By Wu Guangqiang |
December 27, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
IN May this year, Liu Zhu, a 19-year-old student at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, rose to fame overnight after he appeared on stage competing for a place in the "Super Boy" show.
It was not his rich voice or skillful performance that conquered TV viewers or judges. It was his grotesque appearance that took millions aback.
He was not only dressed as a girl but also behaved and talked like one. His voice and looks bore such a close resemblance to a woman's that some female judges demanded that his sex be identified.
His emergence immediately triggered heated debate among netizens. Like other stars, Liu had numerous fans who appreciated him for his courage and novelty. His supporters argued that such a seemingly weird figure should be accepted in an open and tolerant society.
As a matter of fact, cross-dressing is just another stunt to boost viewership ratings.
We need no more effemination as many of our boys and men have already become effeminate enough. As a teacher, I've noticed the uncomfortable phenomenon that some boys are more withdrawn, timid and unadventurous than girls.
A combination of factors has contributed to the making of this new type: excessive parental care and protection of their children, mostly the only child; a lack of physical exercise both at home and at school; a female-dominated faculty throughout the entire school year; and perhaps a general preference for obedient pupils to active and rebellious ones.
As a result, boys are becoming less assertive and valiant and more reluctant to compete with others. For years in China, boys in every grade have done much worse academically than girls, and girls almost dominate the top places from primary schools to universities.
The number of female zhuangyuan, or exam aces, in the National College Entrance Examination is steadily growing, now nearing 70 percent.
Shall we do something about this?
It was not his rich voice or skillful performance that conquered TV viewers or judges. It was his grotesque appearance that took millions aback.
He was not only dressed as a girl but also behaved and talked like one. His voice and looks bore such a close resemblance to a woman's that some female judges demanded that his sex be identified.
His emergence immediately triggered heated debate among netizens. Like other stars, Liu had numerous fans who appreciated him for his courage and novelty. His supporters argued that such a seemingly weird figure should be accepted in an open and tolerant society.
As a matter of fact, cross-dressing is just another stunt to boost viewership ratings.
We need no more effemination as many of our boys and men have already become effeminate enough. As a teacher, I've noticed the uncomfortable phenomenon that some boys are more withdrawn, timid and unadventurous than girls.
A combination of factors has contributed to the making of this new type: excessive parental care and protection of their children, mostly the only child; a lack of physical exercise both at home and at school; a female-dominated faculty throughout the entire school year; and perhaps a general preference for obedient pupils to active and rebellious ones.
As a result, boys are becoming less assertive and valiant and more reluctant to compete with others. For years in China, boys in every grade have done much worse academically than girls, and girls almost dominate the top places from primary schools to universities.
The number of female zhuangyuan, or exam aces, in the National College Entrance Examination is steadily growing, now nearing 70 percent.
Shall we do something about this?
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