Intelligence Squared Remembering The Cultural Revolution In Modern China
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Feb 27, 2023 Tania Branigan, a seasoned journalist and author of 'Red Memory,' joins Carrie Gracie, former China Editor for BBC News, to dive into the haunting legacy of China's Cultural Revolution. They discuss the emotional scars of those who lived through it, including how Xi Jinping’s experiences shape his leadership today. The conversation explores the stark contrast between elite narratives and the struggles of the common people, emphasizing resilience, memory, and the ongoing battle to reconcile past traumas with present realities.
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Zero-COVID Protests
- During zero-COVID protests, some Chinese held signs saying, "We want reform, not the Cultural Revolution."
- This shows how the Cultural Revolution's legacy of state control resonates with contemporary issues.
Xi Jinping's Influence
- Xi Jinping, shaped by the Cultural Revolution, has dismantled safeguards against strongman rule.
- This has led to increased state control over various aspects of Chinese life.
Cultural Revolution Overview
- The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) resulted in 2 million deaths and 36 million persecuted.
- Mao aimed to eradicate opposition within the party, leading to intimate treacheries and societal upheaval.
