Gesture politics employed in Beijing’s tobacco wars
The authorities in Beijing, China, are asking citizens to vote on what would be a suitable hand gesture to indicate to people that they should desist from smoking, according to a China Daily story.
Most countries have hand gestures that can be appropriated for this purpose, but Beijing seems to be looking for a specially-conceived gesture that will not give offence in ways unconnected with smoking.
The move is part of a pre-launch campaign for anti-tobacco measures that are due to come into effect on June 1.
Members of the public are able to vote for one of three gestures:
- Covering your nose with your hand to signal ‘I am bothered by your smoke’;
- Forming a ‘T’ shape with your hands to say ‘Please stop smoking’;
- Holding up your hand to signal that ‘Smoking is not allowed here’.
Local citizens can cast their votes through the official ‘Smoke Free Beijing’ Wechat account or by telephoning 12320. The gesture with the highest votes will be declared the winner.
As part of the anti-tobacco measures being introduced, people will be banned from smoking in Beijing’s work places, along its public walkways, aboard public transportation, and while waiting in queues.
Those found to be in violation of the new regulations will be fined up to Yuan200 in the case of individuals and Yuan10,000 in the case of companies.
Previous anti-tobacco measures introduced in China have frequently fallen by the wayside because they have not been enforced. But Fang Laiying, the director of the Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission, said that the city’s local public health ministry, the tobacco monopoly and the local department of commerce would monitor violations of the new regulations on local streets.
Nevertheless, the specific procedures for monitoring violations are still under discussion, according to Liu Zejun, director of the Beijing Patriotic Public Health Campaign Committee.
