Summary of the Core Content
This article discusses how news about extreme heat in Europe has been spread on domestic Chinese social media, revealing a phenomenon: the real challenges faced by Europeans due to the heat (such as over 1,300 excess deaths according to the WHO) have been exaggerated into sensational stories like “tens of thousands dying from the heat,” “funeral homes being overwhelmed,” and “hospitals without air conditioning.” These stories are then paired with comparative claims like “Chinese air conditioning saved Europe” or “Europeans are worse off than Chinese pigs,” ultimately reflecting a mentality where some people find satisfaction in watching others suffer. This sense of happiness stems from comparison rather than an improvement in their own quality of life and also highlights short-sightedness towards long-term issues such as environmental protection.
Detailed Analysis
The “Exaggeration” of European Heat Figures: From 1,300 to 15,000 – Why Do People Believe It?
The WHO reports that since June 21st, more than 1,300 people in Europe have died from the heat (defined as deaths exceeding the average for the same period in previous years). However, this figure has been exaggerated to 15,000 in China. The discrepancy could be due to different methods of statistics (e.g., whether indirect deaths are included or the scope of the data). The key factor is that people are reluctant to question these figures because they fit the preconceived notion that “Westerners are living in dire conditions.” Similar exaggerated claims, such as “America doesn’t have enough coffins” or “Europe has become a tragic place,” are believed because people want to believe that “our situation is better.”
The Three Levels of Narrative Construction: From “European Tragedy” to “Chinese Excellence”
Domestic media has crafted a comprehensive narrative chain:
- Level 1: Depicting Europe’s suffering (e.g., funeral homes in Paris being overwhelmed, hospitals in Germany without air conditioning, traffic lights melting). Some of these claims are true (for example, the low installation rate of air conditioning in Europe: 6% in Germany, 4% in the UK), but they are exaggerated to convey a sense of collapse.
- Level 2: Highlighting China’s role as a savior (e.g., Chinese air conditioning being sold out in Europe, with prices rising by 100 euros per unit).
- Level 3: Underlining China’s superiority (e.g., French girls on TikTok envying Chinese pig farms for having air conditioning; stories of European students wanting to return home). Each step of this narrative taps into the psychological pleasure of comparison, making people feel that “China is indeed better.”
The Motivation Behind Schadenfreude: The “Downward Comparison” Mentality
The article explains why some people take delight in Europe’s misfortunes. It cites two examples:
- The decline of the film industry is seen as satisfying because directors and actors were once considered superior, and now they are facing difficulties;
- Rural residents compare their children’s travel frequency to others to feel better about their own situation.
This mentality, known as “downward comparison,” provides a sense of satisfaction even without real benefits.
Environmental Protection? Later… Short-Sighted Thinking Prevails
The low installation rate of air conditioning in Europe is partly due to climate factors (Paris has similar latitudes to Heihe, which doesn’t experience extreme heat in summer) and environmental awareness. However, Chinese netizens mock Europeans for “suffering for the sake of environmental protection,” believing that environmental concerns are unimportant. The problem is that more air conditioning usage leads to increased carbon emissions and hotter temperatures (a vicious cycle). Many people ignore these issues, prioritizing immediate comfort over long-term environmental benefits.
The Power of Repeated Lies: Fixed Cognitions Obscure Reality
Repetitive exaggerations reinforce the belief that “the West is failing.” For example, claims about mass deaths in Europe further reinforce the notion that “our situation is better.” However, this perception is self-deceptive and based solely on personal feelings rather than reality.
Conclusion
This article does not defend Europe but aims to highlight that deriving happiness from others’ misfortunes is a fragile form of joy. True happiness should come from improving one’s own life, not from comparative superiority. Ignoring long-term issues like environmental protection can have negative consequences for all. After all, the Earth is a interconnected system, and what happens in Europe could eventually affect us as well.