Artist Cai Guoqiang's speech over fireworks display in Himalayas draws public criticism

【CMHnews】Fireworks display in the Himalayas co-organized by outdoor brand Arc'teryx and artist Cai Guoqiang has triggered an outcry among Chinese netizens over ecological concerns and cultural disrespect. A newly exposed on-site speech by Cai during the fireworks show once again draws public criticism.

    That day, Cai wore an orange Arc'teryx jacket and exclaimed emotionally during his speech, "It's a circling dragon! So spectacular!"

    He thanked local herders, animals, and Arc'teryx for their help with the fireworks show. "Thanks to the cooperation of local herders and the help of the clever animals, the fuses of my fireworks remained completely unobstructed," he said.

    "I'm very grateful to everyone here for joining me in realizing my youthful dream and for your full support as we create this grand spectacle together— or rather, as we embark on this remarkable journey side by side. Finally, I want to thank this land, its people, and the eternal nature. I look forward to the opportunity to gather again with you on the ‘Roof of the World' in the future," Cai said.

    Such remarks have once again stirred controversy on the internet, with comments quipping that "So he knew there were animals?" and "He's thanking animals after destroying their habitats."

    On Monday, the China Small Animal Protection Association (CSAPA) published an article titled "Don't let art disturb wildlife. This ‘Excitement' should stop" on its official WeChat account, expressing its concern over the impact caused by the fireworks show on local animals.

    The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, as one of the world's most ecologically fragile regions, possesses a unique and highly sensitive ecosystem. Over long periods, the animals here have gradually adapted to the harsh natural conditions of the plateau, developing distinctive survival methods and behavioral patterns, CSAPA said in the article, adding that the fireworks display in such a critical ecological zone poses non-negligible impacts on the local wildlife.

    On the same day, the China Advertising Association also commented on the fireworks incident, claiming that if marketing ideas deviate from the fundamental respect for ecology, ethics, and policies, and cross the line of principles, they will not only fail to enhance a brand's value but also plunge the brand into a public opinion quagmire.

    It calls on the advertising industry to uphold the bottom lines of ethics, ecology, and social values. Creativity and marketing in advertising should never be an unbounded "stage for performance" but must be grounded in correct social guidance, it said.

By Zhang Dongfang

Reposting from ECNS.Cn