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Beijing, China — The Chinese traditional festival of Qing Ming, or grave-sweeping day, was celebrated last week. Many people visited the graves of their ancestors in the past few days to sweep the area and to recall those who have died. The Beijing News reported that on April 5th more than 300 doctors and nurses from public health clinics and hospitals in Beijing brought flowers to the graves of nine martyrs who died in the battle against SARS four years ago.

After reading the report, I had very mixed feelings. On one hand, I was thankful that some of our health professionals and media still remember the catastrophe that occurred not long ago and shook the world, both inside and outside China. But how could I not have mixed feelings? The majority of Chinese people, who are now enjoying themselves and celebrating their prosperity, seem to be really forgetful. They have almost forgotten the catastrophe just four years ago, and have forgotten what Beijing was like at that time. The streets were so empty that the city was like a dead place. The entire city was overwhelmed by the fear of death.

It is said that the visit paid on Thursday was the first public tribute to health professionals who died in the epidemic, and it was held at a very low level. Not a single government official attended, so it was obviously not an official event. The number of attendees was unbelievably small. My heart went cold when I thought of the fact that our government officials often attend occasions of little importance, and our media compete to report news of no value.

Is there something wrong with our memories? Or is there something wrong with the mechanism that maintains our memories? Or is it because SARS itself has become a sensitive word?

Paying visits to the graves of the dead is indeed necessary, but protecting the living is even more important. Forgetfulness of a catastrophe shows indifference toward life. Have we ever carefully considered the real cause of the fierce disease that attacked our people? Do we care about those who survived, but suffer permanent effects from SARS?

Finally, some few people remembered and did the right thing in visiting the graves of the nine martyrs -- though perhaps it is a bit too late. However, should we not also remember those who have died from causes other than disease? There are many victims, not only of natural disasters, but also of social catastrophes!

Anyone with a conscience should think about this carefully. Have we really become so apathetic? Do we really not dare to face catastrophes -- even the one that happened so recently? For those who cannot remember such tragedies, there may be even greater tragedies ahead.

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(Tao Dongfeng is a professor in the Chinese Department of Capital Normal University in Beijing. He is also editor-in-chief of the magazine "Culture Research." This article is translated and edited from the Chinese. ©Copyright Tao Dongfeng.)