Marxism in China

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

I just read an article which I find quite interesting. The article is about the widespread disinterest in Marxism in China, especially with the youth. Teaching Marxist philosophy has been compulsory in China since the 1949 Communist revolution, and it's theories of constructing socialism within the values of Chinese culture became basic principles that were written into the Chinese constitution.

Years later, The reality is that in many ways, China is more capitalistic then it has ever been, and the experiments of a socialist state have not worked well for many in Chinese society. Combine that with the "wild fee-market economy," in China and we see the contradiction. "People see high rise office buildings, shopping malls, fast food restaurants, luxury apartments, etc.," and there is a "disconnect" between the reality of capitalism and the Marxist ideas that have been overstepped by capitalistic truths and practicality.

The emphasis now is on the traditional values of respect and filial piety seen in Confucianism than Marxist ideology. The article points out that university professors are good natured about it, but they clearly see that contradiction effecting Chinese youth.

Marxism has not been wiped out as the article states, because membership in the communist party is ideal for advancement. Also, there is a hint of coercion by the powers that be to be hard line on instilling Marxist ideas.

Here is the link in the L.A. Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-marx26jun26,0,5933053.story?coll=la-home-center [Edit by="tstevenson on Jun 26, 9:07:18 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

This has been a constant source of amusement to myself. How can you rhapsodize about the glory of Marxism as the latest set of golden arches swing into place? I would love it if Clay or others could weigh in with their thoughts. In today's China it seems as though the Communist Party is now something more akin to a back room Ivy League social club, or a fraternity of sorts. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I am currently reading a very enlightening biography of Mao, and it is no secret that he was very anti-capitalist in many ways (but not enough to stop the amassing of a considerable fortune), while at other times promoting very aggressively capitalistic business ventures...I would imagine that he would be shocked to see the changes that have occured so rapidly in China. The pace of change over the last 30 years is just staggering.

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