Some critics do not only fear Digong because of his autocratic habits, they also detest him because they see themselves in him. The only superficial difference is that they do their best to keep their “dark sides” hidden. He is despised because he dares to bring out in the open, attitudes and utterances that are best kept in private – the curses, the maligning of women, the racist remarks, and all other kinds of nasty asides. These have to be kept offstage because they could sully one’s public name and standing. The chatter off-stage, however, is equal to, if not worse than, that of the mayor.