In Chapter 9 of Wild Swans we read more how a Communist Party official must be seen to behave in power.
Can anyone in power ever be totally 'fair'? Should it even be expected? Is it desirable? How do you think you would you behave with your family, friends, neighbours and community if you rose to a position of power?
From Mao's position, it was useful to have a campaign to 'stamp out corruption' because it both gave him the 'moral high ground' and provided an opportunity to introduce stringent measures to scrutinise people close at hand. This allowed him to continue to centralise power.
Information about the 3-anti and 5-anti campaigns here.
Monday 28 November 2011
Monday 21 November 2011
Old traditions and new promises
In Chapter 8 of Wild Swans, we read how the author's mother is now in Yibin, miles away from Manchuria. Locate these places on the map. Listen how life in Yibin is described.
In this place and time, the new Communist reforms and old Chinese customs are at odds. Can you spot those moments where people are dealing with those differences?
Where do you think your sympathies would lie at this moment? With the old traditions or the new promises?
In this place and time, the new Communist reforms and old Chinese customs are at odds. Can you spot those moments where people are dealing with those differences?
Where do you think your sympathies would lie at this moment? With the old traditions or the new promises?
Monday 14 November 2011
Endings and beginnings
Chapter 6 of Wild Swans gives us a good insight into transitional points in history.
In China 1949, families might have loyalties and histories embedded in both the Kuomintang and Communism. It could be dangerous to reveal too much loyalty or previous involvement to any side, and families might have to change allegiance quickly, depending on where people lived and who at that time was in power.
At these points in history - when there is rapid social and political change - people might feel the imperative to change their own beliefs - or say they had done so - as part of daily survival.
Can you think of other points in history where this might be true?
In Chapter 7 we read the circumstances of the author's family as Mao proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China; 1 October 1949.
In China 1949, families might have loyalties and histories embedded in both the Kuomintang and Communism. It could be dangerous to reveal too much loyalty or previous involvement to any side, and families might have to change allegiance quickly, depending on where people lived and who at that time was in power.
At these points in history - when there is rapid social and political change - people might feel the imperative to change their own beliefs - or say they had done so - as part of daily survival.
Can you think of other points in history where this might be true?
In Chapter 7 we read the circumstances of the author's family as Mao proclaims the founding of the People's Republic of China; 1 October 1949.
Monday 7 November 2011
Communism
In Chapter 5 of Wild Swans, we learn how the author's mother is attracted by the Communist movement.
Read here. Let's talk about some of the ideas in Communism at this time that might have seemed attractive to a young woman in 1947. Your grannies would have been aged in their twenties.
In Chapter 6 there are indications that the Party is seeking to take over from the family as the source of guidance and support. What areas of life does the Party attempt to control?
War and conflict is often used as the rationale why control is needed over a citizen's life. Do you remember the author's father talking about discipline in the revolution? What's your opinion?
For an updated version on how China is run today, visit this BBC article.
Read here. Let's talk about some of the ideas in Communism at this time that might have seemed attractive to a young woman in 1947. Your grannies would have been aged in their twenties.
In Chapter 6 there are indications that the Party is seeking to take over from the family as the source of guidance and support. What areas of life does the Party attempt to control?
War and conflict is often used as the rationale why control is needed over a citizen's life. Do you remember the author's father talking about discipline in the revolution? What's your opinion?
For an updated version on how China is run today, visit this BBC article.
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