GRASS, LIKE NEARLY EVERYTHING else in China, is subject to political interpretation. Historically, the Chinese have taken a dim view of grass. In Peking's parks, the dirt is swept daily, since cleanliness is prized, but gardeners relentlessly uproot any tuft of grass. Grass breeds disease, generations of Chinese have been taught. Additionally, Communist doctrine teaches that grass is decadent, since it is usually associated with leisured classes and generates exploitation-one man hiring another to cut it.
Grass, like many other things in China, is seen through a political lens. Historically, the Chinese have viewed grass negatively, with parks kept very clean by removing all tufts of grass, as cleanliness is highly valued in the culture. People have been taught that grass can carry diseases, leading to its removal from public spaces.
Moreover, Communist ideology considers grass to be decadent because it is associated with leisure and class distinctions, as it often symbolizes wealth and leisure activities. The idea of hiring workers to cut grass is seen as a form of exploitation, reinforcing negative perceptions of grass in Chinese society.
