Teacher abandons students during China earthquake

Written by Darren Hewer

When the quake struck, rather than overseeing an orderly evacuation, [Fan Meizhong] said he just shouted “Stay calm, it’s an earthquake!” and ran for it without looking back to see if his pupils were following.

“I ran towards the stairs so fast that I stumbled and fell as I went. When I reached the centre of the football pitch, I found I was the first to escape. None of my pupils was with me,” wrote the man now known across China as ‘Runner Fan’.

His explanation was simple. “I have a very strong sense of self-preservation,” he said. “I have never been a brave man and I’m only really concerned about myself.” … “I didn’t cause the earthquake, so I have no reason to feel guilty,” he said in an interview. “When I got back to the classroom, the students were all fine.” (Source: Telegraph)

Although there have been many stories about peoples’ heroic efforts after the recent tragic earthquake in China, this article presents a glimpse at a different side of the tragedy.

I suppose we could all agree that at least Mr Fan is living consistently within his worldview. What do you think of Mr Fan’s actions?

Keep in mind that if we disagree with his actions, there really are only two options available: Either what Mr Fan did was absolutely cowardly and immoral, or if no real “right and wrong” exist the most we can say is that we personally don’t like it but it’s perfectly okay for him if that’s his choice. What do you think?

Image credit: gerard79