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Chinese Employee Loses iPhone Prototype, Kills Self
tlhIngan writes "Physical intimidation of a Foxconn employee, 25 year-old Sun Danyong, and a possibly-illegal search of his house may have led to suicide after an iPhone prototype in his possession was lost. Foxconn is Apple's long-time manufacturing partner for the iPhone. Entrusted with 16 iPhone prototypes, Danyong discovered that one was missing and searched the factory for it. When it didn't turn up, he reported the incident to his boss, who ordered his apartment searched. There are reports of physical intimidation by Foxconn security personnel. This ended tragically on Thursday at 3 AM, when Danyong jumped from his apartment building to his death." VentureBeat notes that "Apple exerts immense pressure on its business partners [to] help it maintain secrecy." An Apple spokesperson said this to CNet: "We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death. We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."
I don't like playing cultural imperialist, but something about current Asian cultures seems to me to be broken: this isn't exactly the first suicide of its sort, or even an uncommon phenomenon, just one of the more high-profile cases (since it's Apple, and a senior guy). Western culture isn't immune to these effects either (cf. high-profile financial advisors committing suicide in 2008-2009), but I understand that it's significantly more of an issue in Asia. I'd hazard that it's something in the common implementation of 'honor' and self-value that predisposes people towards a massive breakdown in the face of 'public disgrace'.
I consider that to be a feature of the culture, not a bug. I'd like to see a lot more politicians and government officials embrace suicide as a way of atoning for their dishonor. In America fucking up earns you a raise and a promotion. Getting caught with your pants down and dick out is just something to brazen out and hope the public attention fades. Senator Toe Tapper got to finish out his term instead of resigning in disgrace. Sen. Vitter the Shitter, he of the prostitutes and adult baby diaper fetish is still in his high chair in Congress. Ensign is unashamed, same with Sanford and Gingrich. And I've yet to hear of a finance company CEO eating a gun for sheer shame of public infamy.
Kwisatz Haderach
Sell the spice to CHOAM
This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
It would certainly send a message to all other employees to not be careless.
There's been a lot of fuss all around the world because of a 'mere' 2750; I'm thinking yah, 5400 is a lot.
Requiem for the American Dream