The angry outbursts by Chinese commentators following the 'sex orgy' involving Japanese tourists strike one as highly overdone, if not downright hypocritical. No right-minded person can ignore sexual excesses, but the real burden of guilt should fall on the local Chinese who organised the tour, on the hotel managers who provided the venue and on local officials who are responsible for monitoring prostitution. To castigate the Japanese for their sexual proclivities and ignore the Chinese collaborators who indulged them is pure hypocrisy. Who provided the visas and who pocketed the money for this orgy? Both China and Japan maintain a paternalistic social system which treats women as sexual toys. Polygamy and prostitution were accepted features of both societies for centuries. The number of women in these two countries admitted to political circles is still minimal, with the result that women are easily victimised. If China is to improve its treatment of women, its leaders must focus not only on economic growth but on social and civic freedoms. The right of citizens to associate in self-help groups and religious organisations must be guaranteed. The authorities have no right to spy on, control or intimidate persons who seek meaning in life and social betterment by uniting with like-minded citizens, especially in faith-centred activities. China has so many social problems because the ruling party destroyed the moral and spiritual fabric of society by over 50 years of total control and its rejection of religious values and personal dignity. Now, an over-emphasis on 'getting rich' is exacerbating the evil. No wonder so many girls are trapped in prostitution. Isn't it time for the party to forgo its aversion to and control over religious bodies? It should instead encourage them to share the moral and spiritual values that have enriched the great nations of the world. All the major faiths teach love of country and obedience to duly constituted authority, virtues which can only contribute to China's prosperity and social harmony. Ironic, isn't it? The mainland welcomes Japanese males exploiting Chinese women, but expels or imprisons preachers who advocate a higher morality and respect for one's neighbour. J. GARNER, Kowloon
