six: China boy

China really is a world removed from where I am right now. Many of you may have watched the 2008 Beijing Olympics and marvelled at the displays of technology, strength, and uniformity. Of course below the glossy surface came the rumours of under-aged gymnasts, lip-syncing beauties, and scandal. I suppose that is the Chinese way, to put on the perfect face is how you show respect to those around you. I've seen my fair share of interesting people in China, but this one boy is the epitome of just how backwards things sometimes are.

It was late one night and I was hungry so I walked to a nearby grocery store to pick up some snacks. Outside the store was a boy no older than 8 sitting on a skateboard. While this sounds normal, it is anything but that once you get a bit closer. The boy had two stumps for legs and the skateboard was his means of transportation. To get from point A to point B he would use his hands to propel him forward, a crude but functional way to navigate the world. I didn't understand how the boy got to be in his condition, but my aunt explained to me how things work there... and this is what I imagine his story to be like.

Unwanted son of poor or drug addicted family, sold or captured into a gang. The organized crime lords removed his legs so he could bring in more sympathy (and money) while begging. He was pretty much their property and was at their mercy for everything because there was not much he could do on his own. One day when he becomes too old to elicit 'profits' to cover his 'costs' what will become of him? I'd like to imagine someone will take him in, but that seems too optimistic to be realistic. If I could write his story, a nice elderly couple without any children will see him one day and rescue him from his misery. How does one get into that kind of situation? How can the cards that life dealt him be so cruel?

The contrast between the five star hotel I was staying at, complete with two living white tigers in the atrium, and the environment surrounding the boy was black and white. Should I feel guilty for having it so easy, or does he feel jealous he was not born at another time or place? What happens to the few RMB I slipped him? I almost wish we could trade places, because there is no reason I deserve to have an easier life than him. I guess this is just another reminder of what a broken world we live in, and that our hope should not be placed in it.