ChinaTalk Life in Mao's China
Oct 22, 2022
Vivian Zhong, a graduate student at Stanford University, shares her grandfather's compelling journey through Mao's China. She discusses the difficulties faced by students in rural areas, including the intense competition and food scarcity during college. With nostalgic reflections, she reveals how her grandfather's childhood experiences shaped his views, including his unexpected aversion to sweet potatoes. Listeners will gain fascinating insights into the personal impact of political upheaval and the strength of familial bonds across generations.
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Fate vs. Ability
- In Mao's China, individual fates were determined by society's whims, not personal abilities.
- This contrasts with the speaker's generation, where abilities are seen as the primary driver of success.
Sweet Potato Woes
- During the Great Leap Forward, Vivian Zhong's grandfather and his classmates were sent to work on a farm.
- They ate sweet potatoes for every meal for two months, leading to a lifelong aversion.
From Quality Control to President
- Vivian Zhong's grandfather became the president of a factory in 1986 after suggesting a solution to a missile manufacturing problem.
- This led to increased respect and material benefits for his family, such as a refrigerator and a TV.