CCTV, China’s state-run broadcaster, aired a video during its newscast yesterday morning that has infuriated people across the country. In the video, a 1-year old in Chongqing is given a bottle of beer, which he quickly drinks.
CCTV’s story said the child’s father enjoys cold beers himself, so wanted to get his son started early to “build courage”. He’s apparently been pouring beer down his kid’s gullet since he was born.
What Tang didn’t anticipate – amazingly – is this might become addictive. Now the kid’s eyes pop out and he gets a grin on his face when he sees beer. “Beer has become his new milk,” Tang said.
Getting kids started early on addictive, dangerous substances unfortunately isn’t something new in China. Last year, people were shocked to see a 2-year old smoking (below), one of many cases that have surfaced in recent years. In other cases, parents have argued that picking up smoking will help relieve pain and make their kids feel more comfortable.
