A wall featuring a mural of renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun holding a cigarette in Shaoxing has sparked heated debate in China, with concerns over the image of smoking it creates.
The painting is near the Lu Xun Memorial Hall in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. Some visitors have lit cigarettes or lighters to take pictures with the painting, sparking criticism.
A visitor surnamed Sun posted on social media in August, arguing that the painting will not only mislead teenagers, but also lead people to gather outdoors to smoke and endanger the health of others. She also demanded that the wall painting be replaced.
Sun said on August 24th that she is a volunteer advocating for smoking control and often focuses on smoking bans in public spaces.
Historical Perspective Or Educational Significance?
The complaint triggered a hot debate on China’s social media.
Some netizens argue that “this image is classic” and “the audience isn’t that easily tempted.” Others have pointed out that the “lighting up for photos in public” behaviour prompted by the wall painting deserves more attention.
One comment said: “Respecting history means adopting a correct historical perspective, which involves evaluating past actions based on the understanding and context of their own time, rather than judging them by today’s standards.”
Another wrote: “Sun might as well focus more on managing people who smoke, as that’s where secondhand smoke really comes from.”
Some supported Sun. They said the image could influence young people to view smoking more positively because a famous person was depicted doing it. They thought that she aimed to stress the need for more education on smoking prevention among teenagers.
“Smoking Was Part Of His Real Life”
The Lu Xun Memorial Hall responded on August 26th.
The statement noted that the wall was designed in a woodcut style, echoing Lu Xun’s role as a pioneer of modern Chinese woodcut art. Since its completion in 2003, it has become an integral part of the cultural site and a popular destination for visitors worldwide.
The debate also drew the attention of the Lu Xun research society from Zhejiang Province. The group opposed what it called opportunistic attempts to exploit the “Lu Xun smoking” image for online hype.
Zhuo Guangping, secretary-general of the research society, said on August 26th that Lu Xun’s image should be understood in full. “Lu Xun had a stern, combative side, but he also had the habits of an ordinary person. He liked smoking and often fell into deep thought—that was part of his real life. We should not simplify or fragment his image,” said Zhuo.
What’s more, Zhou Lingfei, the eldest grandson of Lun Xun, suggested that everyone has the right to express their opinion. “I respect those who put forward their own opinions,” Zhou said. “Personally, I think it can be dismissed with a laugh. I believe everyone has their own judgment,” he added.
Written by Yetao Gu, additional reporting by Global Times, China Daily and Ecns.
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