Spiderman is usually attributed with flashy displays of heroism, whooshing past the buildings in supernatural speeds, while attempting to “take the girl and save the day.” These Chinese Spidermen and women might not be as flamboyant and exuberant as the real one, but they sure are saving the day in a much grander way. Millions of pilgrims visit the Chinese sacred E’Mei mountains every year, but sadly they litter all over the mountain. Consequently, tons of garbage is present in the most difficult-to-clean places, so ‘Spiderman cleaners’ are here to ‘clean the day.’
This name is given to a highly dedicated and brave group of men and women who risk their lives to slide down and climb the scary cliffs to clean the waste dumped by negligent and uncivilized tourists. In incredibly dangerous retrieval missions, they are seen dangling on the wires and ropes, thousands of feet above the ground.
To appreciate their commendable spirit, the cleaners have been awarded the Spiderman costumes as their job’s uniform. But the fame and glory are paltry when compared to the life threatening injuries they suffer. Due to the excessive stress of this dangerous job, many cleaners faint while working. The Spiderman cleaners hike up and down a 1,830-foot-high mountain for 15 hours a day. According to a report, thanks to the 72,000 tourists, Spiderman cleaners have collected over six tons of litter on the first two days of Chinese National Day holidays last year to maintain the scenic beauty of these mountains.
They are compensated handsomely though! According to a hiring ad two years ago, the Guimeng Scenic Spot offered 10,000 yuan ($1,600) per day to become a Spiderman cleaner. But, this job comes with the label of “at your own risk.”
Many of them have been in this business for decades, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The media has been highlighting these masked heroes in a bid to motivate the workers, while instigating the people to think twice before littering. Peng Wen, who has been working on the E’Mei Mountains for the last 17 years, believes that this campaign is finally working, as in recent years, he has seen a remarkable decline in tourist trash.
Hollywood should make a movie about these unsung heroes instead of the over-hyped fictional characters! Will you ever agree to take this job of Spiderman cleaner? Share your views in the comments’ section below.
