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Dwarkesh Podcast
Jung Chang - Living through Cultural Revolution and the Crimes of Mao
Nov 29, 2023
Jung Chang, renowned author of 'Wild Swans' and 'Mao: The Unknown Story', shares her gripping experiences growing up during China's Cultural Revolution as the daughter of a denounced official. She discusses the psychological indoctrination that allowed billions to idolize Mao despite his atrocities, including the horrific famine of the Great Leap Forward that claimed millions of lives. Chang also explores why modern Chinese leaders, who suffered under Mao, remain reluctant to denounce him, uncovering the enduring legacy of his totalitarian regime.
01:31:15
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Quick takeaways
- The speaker shares personal experiences of living under Mao's regime, including witnessing starvation, scarcity of food, and the intense control exerted by communes over every aspect of people's lives.
- The complete isolation of China from the outside world and the reign of terror ensured that dissenting thoughts were suppressed and questioning Mao's rule was unthinkable and dangerous.
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Growing up under Mao's regime
The speaker describes growing up privileged under Mao, with communist official parents. However, the Cultural Revolution changed everything, as her father spoke up against Mao, leading to his arrest, torture, and death. Her mother faced immense pressure to denounce her husband but refused and endured numerous denunciation meetings and physical abuse. The speaker shared her personal experiences of living under Mao's regime, such as witnessing starvation, scarcity of food, and the intense control exerted by communes over every aspect of people's lives.
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Discover
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