Government Surveys Beijingers to Expose 'Uncivilized' Behaviors
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Beijing is on a regulating roll.
In an ongoing effort to manage public behavior, public administrators have published an online questionnaire about punishable 'uncivilized' conduct. On Aug 5, residents awoke to an intricate survey doing the rounds of social media, which lists 19 officially disapproved activities as well as condemnation of several cornerstones of Beijing behavior such as spitting on the streets, square dancing, making noise at sporting events, and (no surprise here) the Beijing bikini. Food wastage and seat-stealing have also joined the list of no-nos in the ever-growing push to refine public manners, with violators facing a range of penalties, from mild chastisement and community service to the possibility of detainment.
Traffic violations, online profanity, and more have classified as 'uncivilized'
On the flip side, authorities are also seeking to encourage 'civilized' conduct. Alongside bad behaviors, the survey lists 12 approved activities in conspicuously flowery language as well as how they intend to reward such behavior. Fiscal compensation, a bolstered social credit score, and more are all on the table.
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Beijing is but one of several Chinese cities currently undergoing social scrutiny and increased regulation. Earlier this summer, Shandong province's capital Jinan made headlines around the world for being the first city in China to roll out fines for the beloved Beijing bikini, while Shanghai began enforcing mindbogglingly complex citywide recycling requirements (read more about this via QR code below). Beijing, meanwhile, recently introduced new regulations on unseemly behavior on public transport and in public spaces, a move that garnered a mixed reaction from netizens, especially since many believed one of the rules – no dogs from parks – had been in place for a long time already.
In the past, the effectiveness of Beijing's bans has been shaky to say the least (it took at least four attempts to properly ban smoking inside) and largely reliant on the support of grassroots groups or individual volunteers to nark on fellow citizens and implicate fines. However, with the social credit system set for nationwide implementation, a bright future awaits for Beijing's behavioral regulations, even if it doesn't for many of our favorite pastimes.
Spitting, defecating, and littering on the streets
Disposing of trash without sorting
Walking dogs without a leash, not picking up after the dogs, raising unregulated or aggressive dog breeds
Burning paper money and other mourning material on the streets
Obstructing community spaces with personal belongings
Smoking in non-smoking spaces
Running red lights, jay-walking, and jumping traffic barriers
Parking motorcycles in unauthorized spaces, excessive honking, and refusing to yield to pedestrians
Cutting the line, seat stealing, and shouting on public transport
Making excessive noise at sporting or cultural events, leaving without picking up personal litter
Square dancing
Dumping trash from high-rises
Parking communal bicycles in unauthorized spaces.
Vandalizing and illicitly advertising on public buildings and structures
Treading on greenery, damaging parks
Exposing one's torso and back
Using vulgar language online, propagating outdated superstitions
Wasting food in restaurants
Lighting fireworks
Combatting criminals and criminal behavior
Passionately supporting charity organizations
Volunteering at charities or participating in charity events
Donating blood, becoming an organ donor
Providing first-aid or support during emergencies
Returning lost items to owners or the police
Following traffic regulations, discouraging, and reporting any traffic violations
Sorting garbage without official prompts and encouraging others to separate garbage
Taking the initiative in protecting and cleaning public spaces
Discouraging and/or reporting uncivilized behavior
Immediately stopping any antiquated, superstitious acts on the streets
Participating in public governance, enthusiastically supporting government structures in protecting public safety and maintaining order
If you would like to prove your unwavering civility, take the survey for yourself via QR code below (in Chinese):
READ: Who Let the Dogs Out? Beijing Bans Dogs From Public Parks, Again
Images: Baidu
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