A woman in China who fended off a knife attacker using just an umbrella and was hailed online as a hero for doing so has declined lucrative endorsements and live streaming opportunities so as not to tarnish her image. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
BEIJING (SCMP): A woman in China who went viral online after she fended off a knife attacker using an umbrella has returned to the public spotlight for rejecting live streaming offers and refusing to monetise her brave act.
Liu Yang intervened during a knife attack on Pingjiang Road in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, southeastern China on September 11. Her actions prevented the assailant causing further harm.
The attire she was wearing during the incident led netizens to nickname her Floral Dress Girl.
Following the incident, the Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Gusu Branch recognised her as a “Hero for Justice and Courage,” and she was honoured with the “Brave warriors for righteousness” award by Jiangsu province, north of Shanghai.
Soon, Liu found herself at the centre of a social media frenzy.
Initially, she was happy with the recognition, but as the attention and praise escalated, she began to feel overwhelmed.
Offers from businesses and endorsements quickly followed, including proposals for her to become a livestream anchor selling umbrellas, all of which she declined.
One company expressed pity at her refusal, and said: “You are foolish to pass up the money.” Her friends also encouraged her to capitalise on her fame.
However, Liu was concerned that monetising her act of courage would undermine its sincerity.
She said she was afraid good things would turn sour by so doing, adding that she also feared a potential online backlash and cyberbullying.
At the time of the incident Liu was wearing a patterned dress which earned her the nickname “The Floral Dress Girl”. -- Photo: ifeng
In a recent interview with Chongqing Daily News Group, Liu described her act of bravery as surreal.
“It felt like a scene from a movie. My instinct to save lives may have been influenced by the straightforward nature and sense of justice of people from Chongqing, where I’m from, have.
“But to me, it’s just a small thing that happened in my life, and it is in the past now.”
Liu also admitted that she has become more cautious.
She instinctively avoids people walking too quickly past her and feels reluctant to revisit the scene of the incident due to the psychological trauma.
Since the incident, she has visited Suzhou twice, once to receive an award and another time to attend a concert.
Liu told Jiupai News of desire to return to there to visit the museum she missed going to.
She said she might settle in Guangzhou, in Guangdong province, southern China, adding that she would intervene again in a similar situation, provided she could ensure her own safety.
Liu was shortlisted for the fourth-quarter “Good Samaritans of China” award in recognition of her bravery.
Netizens in China have celebrated her purity and selflessness.
One person said: “Her actions remind us of the power of kindness, uneroded by commercialisation.”
“She’s truly admirable for not turning her bravery into a livestreaming opportunity,” said another.
“She is the real Umbrella Heroine!” said a third netizen. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
