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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Musician criticizes public exposure of singer Chen Yingjie's illness

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Musician Xu Changde criticized the public display of a sick person's appearance, calling it disrespectful.
  • He announced an "innovative farewell ceremony" for Chen Yingjie on August 28, focusing on music and gratitude.
  • Xu Changde believes true concern requires respect and prior consent before sharing someone's image.

Musician Xu Changde has expressed strong disapproval of the public exposure of Taiwanese singer Chen Yingjie's appearance during her illness, deeming the act deeply disrespectful. Chen Yingjie passed away on August 12.

Xu Changde, who had organized several fundraising concerts for Chen Yingjie, announced on August 17 that an "innovative farewell ceremony" would be held on August 28. The event aims to return the focus to music and express gratitude for the support Chen Yingjie received from her "true friends."

In a social media post prior to the announcement, Xu Changde drew parallels to the professional standards in the entertainment industry, where artists prepare with makeup and rehearsals out of respect for themselves and their audience. He directly addressed those who visit the sick, stating, "Please stop using the guise of visiting and caring to photograph people's sick appearances and expose them." He argued that such actions, even if done under the pretense of charity or concern, are superficial and disrespectful.

Please stop using the guise of visiting and caring to photograph people's sick appearances and expose them.

— Xu ChangdeThe musician criticized the practice of publicly sharing images of the sick.

"If you don't have empathy, how can you show concern?" Xu Changde questioned, emphasizing that genuine care is built on respect. He pointed out the basic courtesy of asking for permission before posting photos on social media, a practice even common among celebrities. He believes that exposing someone's illness without their consent is not only unhelpful but also embarrassing for the perpetrator.

Xu Changde stated his inability to endorse or accept such superficial displays of sympathy. He criticized the practice as overly performative and lacking genuine substance, suggesting that even official visits are conducted with more decorum. He concluded that such actions ultimately offer no benefit to the person being "helped" and only serve to humiliate those who engage in them.

If you don't have empathy, how can you show concern?

— Xu ChangdeHe questioned the sincerity of those who expose the sick without respect.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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