A video has spread on social media showing a man weighing about 160 kilograms being carried up a steep staircase by elderly villagers in China using traditional bamboo stretchers. Reactions are mixed; some viewers are amazed, while others are appalled by the practice. This service is not new in China, especially in regions like the Yellow Mountain, where there is a tradition of visitors who are elderly, ill, or tired being carried by porters. The stretchers are made of bamboo and represent an important source of income for local people. While some condemn the practice as exploitation, others defend it as a local tradition and a consensual business arrangement. The topic sparks debates about morality and the economic conditions in which people live and work.
Political Perspectives:
Left: The left-leaning perspective tends to emphasize the ethical concerns and potential exploitation involved in the practice of carrying heavy individuals on bamboo stretchers. It highlights the socioeconomic conditions that force elderly porters to perform such laborious tasks and questions the morality of such traditions in modern times. The narrative often calls for better labor protections and social support for these workers.
Center: The centrist perspective presents a balanced view, acknowledging both the cultural significance of the tradition and the economic necessity for the local people. It recognizes the practice as a consensual business arrangement that benefits both the porters and the clients, while also noting the divided public opinion. The focus is on understanding the practice within its cultural and economic context without strong judgment.
Right: The right-leaning perspective often defends the practice as a valuable cultural tradition and a legitimate form of business. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the voluntary nature of the service, arguing that both parties benefit and that it preserves local heritage. The narrative may criticize external judgments as cultural imperialism or misunderstanding of local customs.
