It’s not every day you hear about the first Emperor of China being brought up in a discussion about fly-tipping. But that’s exactly what happened when Doncaster Council used the story of Emperor Qin Shi Huang as a warning against illegal dumping during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While it’s true that fly-tipping was been on the rise during the pandemic, with closed recycling centers causing a headache for many councils, the comparison between Emperor Qin and littering is certainly an unusual one.
But who was Emperor Qin, and what does he have to do with fly-tipping in South Yorkshire?
Emperor Qin, also known as Shi Huangdi, was a legendary figure in Chinese history. He unified the various warring states of ancient China, becoming the first true emperor of the country and laying the foundations for the powerful and sophisticated Qin dynasty.
Under his rule, the Great Wall of China was built, the first standardized system of weights and measures was established, and the famous Terracotta Army was created. Emperor Qin’s reign saw many incredible advancements in engineering, agriculture, and governance, and his legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day.
So it’s safe to say that Emperor Qin was a pretty big deal. Comparing his life and accomplishments to a practice as mundane as fly-tipping seems like quite a stretch, but it’s not the first time Doncaster Council have used historical analogies to drive home their message during the pandemic.
It’s hard to say whether this approach is a good or bad idea, but it’s certainly an unconventional one. The comparison might make for a memorable and attention-grabbing statement, but it might also detract from the serious message about the dangers and consequences of fly-tipping.
At the end of the day, what’s most important is getting the message across and keeping people safe and informed during these challenging times. Whether that message is delivered with a reference to a famous emperor or not is up for debate.
