Chinese company bans Dog Zodiac sign job applicants and you won't believe why

Chinese company bans Dog Zodiac sign job applicants and you won't believe why

company in China's Guangdong province, Sanxing Transportation, has recently stirred significant debate by openly excluding job applicants born in the Year of the Dog. This controversial hiring policy, grounded in Chinese zodiac superstitions, has led to widespread criticism, particularly on social media.

Zodiac Conflict: Dragon vs. Dog

According to SCMP, the company's job posting, offering a monthly salary between 3,000 and 4,000 yuan (approximately $420 to $550), specifically instructs individuals born under the Dog zodiac sign not to apply. The rationale behind this unusual requirement stems from a belief that individuals born under the Dog sign could bring misfortune to the company’s boss, who is a Dragon in the zodiac. In Chinese astrology, Dragons and Dogs are considered incompatible, with their elements—water for the Dragon and fire for the Dog—believed to be in conflict.

A Sanxing Transportation staff member explained in an interview with Hubei Television, "Our boss is a Dragon, and according to traditional beliefs, Dragons and Dogs do not get along well. We would rather consider less qualified candidates whose zodiac signs are more compatible with that of our boss." This statement highlights the extent to which superstitions are influencing the company’s hiring decisions.

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve signs, each associated with specific traits and one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. In this case, the perceived incompatibility between the Dragon and Dog signs has led the company to enforce this exclusionary policy, which many have condemned as discriminatory.

Social Media Backlash

The policy quickly caught the attention of social media users on platforms like Weibo, where many voiced their disapproval. Comments ranged from calling the practice "too superstitious" to labeling it outright discrimination. One user shared a personal experience, saying, "My boss once asked for my zodiac sign and hired me because they believed my Rooster sign indicated I would be a hard worker."

Despite the public outcry, Wu Xingjian, a lawyer from Hubei Chisheng Law Firm, noted that while the policy could be seen as discriminatory, it does not violate any specific legal statutes in China. "Preferences based on zodiac signs might be viewed as discriminatory, but they are not explicitly illegal," Wu explained.