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We know the standard of beauty varies from person to person, and from place to place. A psychology professor has offered new evidence in this regard, and in the process infuriated millions of people. Zhang Jiehai, based at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, has just released a new survey, looking at how male Chinese stars are perceived by Western women. Among his results was the finding that Li Yapeng and Nicolas Tse were "ugly". In China, they are considered cool, although Li used to be hated by fans because he dated several big-name actresses in a row. But he has won many hearts since he married pop singer Faye Wong and started a charity. I understand why people are upset. But let's look at the reasons cited by the professor. Western men tend to have short hair, he said, which exudes an air of masculinity. But many Chinese male stars prefer long hair, and long hair is often associated with the homeless. Now, I suspect those Zhang surveyed did not get to see the two stars in person. They were probably shown photos of them instead. As celebrities, the stars release only those photos that show them at their best. I haven't seen the report in its entirety, which is nowhere to be found, but I have great doubts the respondents said they were "ugly". They probably said something like: "These guys are not as handsome as they're touted to be." When it comes to beauty, we are way out of the realm of science. There is a sensitive topic that concerns interracial marriage - some people ask why Western men like to date and marry "plain" Chinese women. | 
