Cartoons tell metro users to relax

The cartoons that adorn the walls of many of Beijing's subway stations are not only funny, but also reflect the pressure commuters face today, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:

The cartoons, created by 27-year-old Wang Xing, depict many aspects of metro commuters: women with strong perfume, couples getting intimate in a public place, eating on platforms. And the cartoons have won many fans.

Most of the commuters' actions, like reading a newspaper or book, which Wang depicts don't affect others. But a few of their actions, such as eating on platforms or in train carriages, pushing to get on/off a train, and groping, are against social norms and even criminal.

The subway cartoon series portrays one very important aspect of modern life and the great pressure people today face. According to the Bluebook of Social Mentality published a few months ago, people's mutual trust is low, and their negative mood swings should not be neglected. For example, a quarrel in the subway could easily get physical.

Wang's cartoons, therefore, not only tell us to ignore the trivial aspects of life, but also to relax and enjoy every moment with a dose of humor.

(China Daily 04/24/2013 page9)