Readings on Chinese Civil and Mao Era (12/10)

Chinese Civil War 3

I have been looking for a general link to post musings on things that are in the news. I learned recently from a blog post from neighbor Tim Rutt about an amazing celleist , Cecilia Tsan, also an Altadena resident. Her parents came from Shanghai, in Communist China, but fled to Europe. Chan's dad, who was about to become a well-known dissident, "mysteriously" died in an auto accident. It was later discovered that the "accident" had been arranged by Chinese intelligence.
Tsan was raised among many other expatriate Chinese musicians in Paris and has become an inspiration for many, including myself.

I find Mao Zedong to be a very interesting character. Growing up, I'd heard his name tossed around in casual context and we all learned about him in high school, but it wasn't until this class that I realized how controversial he really is. In reading the article "Red Guards," the workers said, "We have long wanted to discard artistic products decorated with emperors, kings, generals, prime ministers, scholars, and beauties." Then they put away "carved standing screens and hanging screens and hung more portraits of Chairman Mao in the shop." And in class, Clay repeatedly showed us propaganda and discussed how Mao was aiming for the peasants/workers, women, and soldiers. Mao comes off as a man of the common people--the common people who want to do away with emperors and kings. So instead, these common people throw their support behind Mao, who is essentially a dictator! We learned about how he's ruthless, abusive, and how millions of working class people starved to death under his control. A little contradictory, is it not?

Wow! What an interesting read. I found the repeated emphasis on simplicity and frugality fascinating. How different that is from today's standards in most developed countries. Today, the wedding industry is a huge money maker with couples often trying to outdo one another with creativity and elements of celebration.

I found it intersting that it took quite a long time for China to change their culture regarding customs such as footbinding and the sale of girls as bondservants. In my 4th grade Social Studies class, we are currently learning about the Spanish taking control of California and forcing the Native Americans to adopt their customs and way of life. In my class we have debated the two sides, having students argue for both the Spanish and Native Americans. As I read the article, "Ridding China of Bad Customs" it made me think to the lesson I taught my students. We discussed the pros and cons of changing and evolving societies. In this particular case, I believe that the change was for the better. The essay "On Freeing Slave Girls" was a bit shocking that it was only until the 1920's that they realized the indecency of this custom.

Like Nfong and TLentz explained, Mao is a familiar name. I knew who he was, but not too sure exactly what he did, however I never thought of him in a positive light. After these readings I now understand why that is so, with the amount of abuse that existed during his rule.

WHAT? Did they really post articles like this? I cannot believe the details in stature that were being described. Is this why people started saying "all Asians look alike?" Was this published in Japanese and Chinese as well?