angbang is the disappearing group in my hometown.

Rustic smiles, sun-scorched skin, and worn-out undershirts are typical images of them. Seldom do they come out but with a rod from their hometown in rural areas, carrying luggage for others in order to support their families. Some even haven’t been to an elementary school. They have existed for so long that Bangbang, the name we local people call the rod, became their name.

The scenes of them on every street of my hometown remain etched in my memory. Squatting in a circle, with their rods beside them, these care-free people seemed totally immersed in the ongoing card games. However, the minute a person with heavy luggage popped up, they would jump to their feet, grab the rods and run to carry the luggage for the exchange of a petty fee. Usually, the fastest one among the group would win his small “business”. After a round of bargain with his “customer”, a deal was readily settled. The customer had no scruple that “Bangbang” may sneak away. Then with one leading the way, another following, luggage tied on the rod, they started a next route together. Others, bantering with the lucky one, went back to continue their game, waiting for their next “business” to turn up.

However, things have changed during these years. Bangbang had a difficult time making their business. Capturing the sight of them from a far distance, people with heavy luggage would make a detour. Or, if this attempt failed, they would remain silent and quicken their steps, vigilance written on the face. A large group of Bangbang, gradually, shrinks to two or three, standing alone on the street.

Something is lost. As the skyscrapers are springing up and concrete buildings are being erected in every residence, an invisible wall has emerged. We feel insecure in having our luggage carried by others; we hesitate to help for fear of being cheated; we do not socialize with our neighbors, holding the belief that not everyone can be trusted. We become nervous, alarmed and suspicious. Then, in order to protect ourselves, we are armed with indifference.

We, do not trust others any more.

“Bangbang”, a long-existed group, is disappearing. Are they alone? I am afraid not. Outside my hometown, there must be hundreds of groups like them, fading away from people’s sight. Some may not even arouse people’s attention. And what precious nature of human beings are they bringing away with them?

I am not a radical protester against modernization. I love the extraordinary experiences it brings to me. But against the irreversible trend of their disappearing in this modernized society, I am just wondering, standing in the midst of the expanding concrete forest where our contact is hampered by those physical walls, can we not open the door of our hearts to trust?

This is one of the featured articles by SES Writing Workshop. The author, Jing Xinyi, is an undergraduate student of the School of English Studies, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU). The supervisor, Li Xin, is an associate professor of English at SISU. Her research areas are English linguistics and language teaching.