Road civility
So accusations that Chinese jaywalker are uncouth rule-breakers may be a bit arbitrary, given the fact that many cities' traffic lights are indeed not too pedestrian-friendly and need to be re-timed. This point is made regularly in ongoing discussions about road civility. But what many seem to forget is that road civility doesn't only concern drivers, but pedestrians as well.
During my three-month stay in Hamburg last year, when media coverage of the jaywalking problem back home spiked, I noticed that comparisons were drawn between patient Germans and impatient Chinese by the domestic press, overflowing with usual admiration for Teutonic affection for order and authority.
My own observation led me to rethink the positive stereotypes about Germans as born sticklers about laws.
While most Germans do behave that way, sometimes too rigidly to allow for slight flexibility in the eyes of an outsider, their conformity is a product of perhaps both moral indoctrination and legal restraint.
Dearly costs
The price for getting caught while jaywalking in a city like Hamburg is a fine of about 10 euros (US$13), a deterrent to keep offenders at bay. And no fool would plead with a stern German police officer for a slap on the wrist, for it is futile.
Besides, in a country with a serious social trust system, being caught once for jaywalking could beget trouble in collecting welfare benefits and obtaining cheap bank loans. The costs are dearly.
China is still at an early stage of constructing a system of its own.
Commentators have wondered if it is scarcity of certain resources that drives Chinese to vie for them, for instance, jaywalkers competing for the right of way with vehicles, and passengers fighting over a seat in the metro, as though they take great pride in beating others to it.
During a recent lunch break when I described my experience in Germany that seemed to confirm the view of the naturally vicious struggle for resources in China, a colleague pointed out that even in more densely populated Tokyo, there is no such jousting.
Japanese seem more considerate of others than of their own selfish desires, he said, which is a fair observation.
I was also reminded by a colleague who described the incredible order in which Londoners retreated to safety in underground shelters during German air raids in World War II. No chaos, no frenzy, no pushing and jostling.
This begs the question: If others can retain composure and courtesy under fire, why are we Chinese so unruly and impatient in peace time?
The frequent sight of whistle-blowing traffic coordinators in khaki uniforms pointlessly warning oblivious jaywalkers has prompted calls for more police intervention, but there are far from enough traffic officers for so many intersections.
If appealing to good nature and civic virtue is unsuccessful, we might try to scare them - they jaywalk at their own peril.
Some people have suggested posting more warning signs, casualties and even pictures of traffic accidents involving pedestrians.
Recently in Chongqing Municipality, some performance and installation artists placed mannikins swathed in bandages and a host of white crosses at busy intersections - signifying the toll of jaywalking. Perhaps only the impact of something very unpleasant will make some of us wait for the light to turn green.
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