China In Context
Remembering the dark periods of China’s history
Oct 11, 2023
Exploring the counter-historians challenging China's official narrative, especially regarding the Cultural Revolution. Discussing the trend of rewriting history in China and the impact of 'Sparks' magazine. Delving into the motives and methods of 'counter historians' in preserving China's history. Examining the white paper protests and the interplay between exile and internal groups.
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Quick takeaways
- China's Communist Party tightly controls its history narrative to prevent criticism and maintain its rule.
- Underground historians in China challenge the official narrative, preserving memory and highlighting the horrors of dark periods in Chinese history.
Deep dives
The Power of Narrative Control by the Chinese Communist Party
The Chinese Communist Party meticulously controls the narrative of its history, providing support to filmmakers who glorify its rule while discouraging criticism of the Mao era. Personal experiences and motivations of Xi Jinping, the current leader, might contribute to this control. Understanding the collapse of the Soviet Union, Xi Jinping believes tight control over history is crucial to prevent a similar fate for China. Since taking power in 2012, he has launched a campaign against alternative versions of the past and any criticism of the Communist Party's history.
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