The backlash stemmed from public dissatisfaction with perceived hypocrisy and inequality in the crackdown. Many netizens felt that while low-level sex workers were targeted, high-ranking officials and elites engaging in similar activities were untouched. Additionally, there was growing sympathy for sex workers, seen as victims of economic hardship rather than criminals. The public also criticized CCTV's role, viewing it as a government mouthpiece rather than an independent media outlet.
The Dongguan government mobilized 6,500 police officers to conduct a large-scale crackdown on the sex industry. This operation resulted in the arrest of 67 individuals involved in sex trade activities and the closure of over a dozen entertainment venues, including saunas and karaoke bars.
Public perception shifted from outright condemnation to sympathy. In the past, sex workers were widely despised, but over time, people began to view them as victims of economic necessity. This change was fueled by the realization that many sex workers lacked alternative opportunities and were driven by financial desperation.
Both Eastern and Western cultures have historically portrayed sex workers sympathetically in literature and art. Figures like Du Shiniang, Li Shishi, and the fictional Camille from 'La Dame aux Camélias' are celebrated for their resilience and humanity. This cultural legacy has shaped a collective empathy for sex workers, despite societal disapproval of their profession.
The crackdown highlighted issues of inequality, corruption, and the failure of governance. Many questioned why the sex industry thrived in Dongguan and other cities, suggesting complicity or protection from local authorities. The public also criticized the selective enforcement of laws, which targeted low-level workers while ignoring high-ranking officials involved in similar activities.
Economic factors were a significant driver. Many sex workers turned to the profession due to a lack of alternative income sources. Additionally, the sex industry was historically intertwined with business culture, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, when deals were often negotiated in entertainment venues like karaoke bars and saunas.
The slogan, reminiscent of the phrase 'We are all Wenchuan people' used during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, symbolized solidarity with Dongguan's residents and sex workers. It reflected widespread public support for those affected by the crackdown and criticism of the government's heavy-handed approach.
The 'Dongguan candle,' shaped like a male phallus, became a symbol of protest against the crackdown. It was used to express solidarity with sex workers and criticize the government's perceived hypocrisy and unfair targeting of vulnerable individuals.
這是2014年2月11號的一集節目,討論關於中國政府在東莞掃黃的情況。這些事件通常與中國政府打擊非法性交易、色情場所以及相關犯罪行為有關。東莞作為中國廣東省的一座經濟發達城市,過去曾因娛樂業和色情產業的盛行而被媒體稱為“性都”