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在线翻译:
szdaily -> Opinion -> 
Salvage our declining integrity
    2016-06-27  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    Wu Guangqiang

    jw368@163.com

    A CHINESE student surnamed Ren studying psychology at the Herzen State University, Russia’s leading pedagogical university, was recently expelled from the school and deported by Russian immigration authorities for academic plagiarism, an epidemic disease afflicting some Chinese students studying at home and aboard.

    Suspicious of his massive plagiarism, the examiners requested him to orally repeat what he wrote, but Ren simply had no idea what was in “his” paper. In the end, he admitted to paying 45,000 rubles (US$693) for the shoddy paper scraped together by a professional plagiarist by downloading, cutting and pasting from online sources such as Wikipedia.

    Not coincidentally, another Chinese student surnamed Wang from the same school was caught by police driving using a fake driving license, which he bought for 6,000 rubles from another Chinese man. He is liable to a fine of minimum 15,000 rubles and possible criminal detention.

    Dishonest behavior has been so pervasive in Chinese society and among Chinese students studying overseas that citing more examples is unnecessary. Statistically speaking, dishonest people are in a minority, but the uncurbed deceptive behavior is poisoning more youngsters and undermining China’s long-term interests.

    It’s obvious that only a well-established social system to maintain credit, integrity, trust, reputation and credibility — not moral admonition or symbolic punishment — can curb the rampancy of dishonesty.

    China needs immediate action to stop widespread dishonesty that is eroding both the flesh and soul of the nation.

    Now we have seen a ray of hope. Recently, the State Council issued a guideline aimed at speeding up the establishment of a social record-keeping system that will record information on wrongdoing or breaches of laws and government rules and regulations by individuals or market entities.

    A lack of integrity is not just a Chinese disease — without punishment most people may be deceptive now and then. It’s laws and rules that make people behave themselves.

    In all Western countries, integrity and the rule of law are considered two cornerstones of modern society and the authorities give top priority to establishing a society of credibility by combining legislation and education in the belief that a society lacking credibility cannot operate in an orderly manner, nor can a market economy be run in a fair and open environment.

    Through legislation, many countries have established complete credit systems. Canadian laws stipulate that every citizen shall act with integrity in all social activities including politics, business, employment, and academic research.

    Similarly, Switzerland promulgated The Swiss Civil Code in 1912 to require all its citizens to perform their obligations in good faith and the U.S. made 16 laws to constitute the nation’s legal framework to ensure a national credit system.

    The key to making the credit system work is to keep a good record of every citizen’s credit history. For example, Canada has a “White Card” system. Administered by the Canadian Ministry of Human Resources, the card records every single dishonest conduct of every individual, including fraud, theft, bilk, fighting and racial discrimination. Everyone has to show their card when engaging in social functions such as applying for school, employment, and purchasing cars or houses. Those with bad records will be deprived of many opportunities.

    It’s predictable that under the stringent laws and rules few would risk their own career or life to do anything that will tarnish their integrity or credit.

    China should follow suit. Laws and regulations should be made to discourage all fraudulent acts.

    If a student caught cheating on an exam or plagiarizing has the dishonest act recorded in his personal profile, and his application for higher schools or jobs will be rejected as a result, he will think twice before taking chances.

    Only when everyone sees his integrity priceless and deception shameful, will China become a society that honors credibility.

    (The author is an English tutor and freelance writer.)

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