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I have been curious about ren rou sou suo since I first heard about it last year. The English translation of the phrase is very dramatic: human flesh search. The image, the “picture,” it brings to my mind is of a group of people chasing a person so they can kill and eat him! It’s a terrible picture but the “real life” ren rou sou suo is no less ugly.
The human flesh search begins when someone says or does something that some people think is wrong. It could be a husband who has cheated on his wife; it could be someone who has voiced an unpopular opinion. Netizens (citizens of the Internet) think these people should be punished so they begin searching the Internet for personal information on these people. They learn where they live and where they work or go to school. Then they begin posting criticism of these people online. They may go further and visit them in person and threaten them. As a result, the “wrong-doers” may lose their jobs and friends. They may even fear for their safety.
These things remind of the Salem Witch Hunt which took place in America in the 17th century. The people of Salem, Massachusetts were very religious（宗教的）. Anyone who thought or behaved differently was considered to be evil. Over 150 people were arrested and put in prison. Twenty people were sentenced to death. Today Americans think of the Salem Witch Trials with great shame.
