Xi Van Fleet, guest speaker on the Chinese Cultural Revolution, discusses growing up under communism, living through the Land Reform Campaign, and the concept of class in the revolution. The damaging campaigns, the destructive nature of the revolution, and the parallels to current events are also explored.
Understanding history helps us identify patterns and implications in current events like the BLM and Antifa movements in 2020.
The Chinese Cultural Revolution, led by Mao Zedong, aimed to establish absolute power, eradicate existing institutions, and resulted in widespread violence and societal shift.
Deep dives
The Importance of History
Knowing history is crucial to understanding the events and challenges faced in the present. The speaker emphasizes that the events of 2020, such as the BLM and Antifa movements, mirror the Chinese Cultural Revolution that occurred more than 50 years ago. By understanding history, we can recognize the patterns and implications of current events.
The Chinese Cultural Revolution
The Chinese Cultural Revolution, according to the speaker, was a multifaceted movement initiated by Mao Zedong to establish absolute power and eradicate existing institutions, traditions, and ideologies. Mao mobilized the youth, known as the Red Guards, who targeted CCP officials and anyone in authority. The revolution resulted in widespread violence, destruction, and a radical shift in societal norms.
Consequences and Impact
The Cultural Revolution devastated Chinese civilization, dismantled institutions, and left the economy in ruins. The communist ideology faced bankruptcy, as millions of lives were lost due to violence, persecution, and suicide. Despite promises of reform, the speaker argues that China remains a powerful threat, with communism gaining mainstream influence in Western countries like America.