July 29 - Session 2 - Dube - Maoist China - Evaluations

[Anonymous]

I think that you make a very good point (I also like that bumper sticker!). I was unaware of these atrocities, and, while they are not pleasant to discuss, it is essential not to neglect them. But I also like Clay's comment that he tries not to "compare" atrocities (I think it was something like that). I think sometimes we resort to comparing number of death, etc., in order to help ourselves conceptualize these types of incidents, and ration our sympathy accordingly. But it is important to look at each event individually, within its particular context and country, and allow ourselves to feel the shame, sadness, etc. or whatever emotion is relevant, that each event and its victims deserves.

[Anonymous]

I can second that! I feel like all the gaps that I have from the High School world history books are finally filled. I think that when I present this info to students, i will emphasize a few things,

#1 Land Reform- Redistribute Land was key policy

#2 Build solidarity with the poorest members of society: govt put the poor first!

#3 Break economic power of the previous elite/wealthy

#4 make it clear who Communist Party is in charge and will run the show

I feel much more confident in discussing the plight between the communists and the nationalists now. 😀 =:O 😛

[Anonymous]

As a response to Jenny's observation of Clayton's comment on not comparing atrocities, my experience also points to such comparisons resulting in unfair allocation of sympathy. When we choose one group/people as the most unfairly dealt with, we fail to see the suffering of the other group/ people. Sometimes our understanding of the pain of this other group/people is reduced to a justificatin as pathetic as "tit for tat."

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