Hi there. Welcome to Re-thinking. In a new era of great times, some individuals are worried they might be left behind. One satirical article focusing on this issue went viral recently in China. 

Feng Tang, the author, used a Chinese phrase 中年油腻男, or “lousy middle-aged men”, to criticize a large group of white-collar males as 油腻  “sick”. These people have no faith and no interest in decency despite some education. They are uncaring, lazy, very bossy in educating young people and they spend hours each day on social media networking and having fun, lashing out against anything, anybody, anytime on any topic without any good reason. 

These guys have no bottom-line, no principles, no integrity, and no vision. They do not have awareness about rule-based games or ethics. They are the hostage of fantasy and very evasive about loyalty or deep love. 

The first casualty of such irresponsible behavior is their health as they are often victims of diabetes and obesity because they are confined to a small world, without sports. 

Next, the image and strength of a vibrant society is compromised. I call this online piece a soul-searching article. The understatement suggests that adulthood of these sleazy men does need self-salvation. 

This article is an adventure of self-discovery and a scathing review of a nation. Renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun, a big name of the 1930s, was also critical of a more general illness of the national character. He calls it a self-fulfilling triumph or 精神胜利法。 

So what is the remedy? I suggest we should think more of public service based on values and faith. The decency of individuality relies on the distance we keep from being self-centered and from material comforts. 

Yes, social responsibility helps decipher the myth. By the way, the lethal attraction of fried Chinese food, just like  western such as McDonalds, depends on edible grease in the cooking. But, a greasy and "fried middle-aged man" 中年油腻男，is one reduced to a wretched being, tasteless and lousy. So, be a gentleman, be nice and be careful. 

 I am Yang Rui. Bye for now.