Xi Jinping versus Mao Tse-tung - the new China's politics

Chinese polity is changing in fundamental ways, with Xi charting a new path. An analysis.

 Xi Jinping versus Mao Tse-tung - the new China's politics

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Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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• The story: Experts say that under Xi Jinping, China has embarked on another "Cultural Revolution". It is true that the Communist Party is very visible and assertive now, in every aspect of public life.
• The rich and the famous: The Party has sent painful reminders to tycoons, film stars, the rich and the famous that they enjoy celebrity status only as long as they don't come in the Party's way. Effeminate actors are banned from TV, video gaming is restricted, and all state power is invested in one man - Xi Jinping. Kids are learning his vision, officials are using mobile apps to study his wisdom.
• Mao's cultural revolution: From 1966 to 1976, Mao unleashed horrors on the Chinese, and 16 lakh died. Millions of lives were destroyed. Young "Red Guards" - students - beat up everyone from ex-landlords to intellectuals, and artists to believers. Red Guards fought each other too, and at times, Army units. But that's not what's happening in 2021.
• Stability: Xi Jinping is building the party, not destroying it. No rebellion please! All rivals, dissenters and "corrupt" have been purged. And now the excesses of capitalism are under attack. Why? For stability and conformity, and ensuring entire China marches together towards greatness.
• Attacking superstitions: The Party has always attacked superstitious practices, though it has not always been successful.

1. A major fight is now being raged against the practice of burning paper models of goods that loved-ones may need after they are dead (in afterlife)
2. In the "Hanyi Jie" festival (Winter Clothing Festival), paper replicas of warm clothes are burnt everywhere
3. Some provinces are banning the practice, stating that is is a source of air pollution, a fire hazard, extravagant and waste of money
4. There is a village dedicated to making such goods - Mibeizhuang (Hebei province) - that supplies to many places
5. For centuries, the Chinese have honoured the dead, and considered it virtuous behaviour
6. But Mao's cultural revolution ensured attacks on ancestral and clan temples by Red Guards

• Customs weakening: Years of attacks have weakened the grip of customs on ordinary Chinese. Many traders accept that one day, thier business may end suddenly. Firecrackers are going out of fashion, something that was invented in China and was enjoyed for thousands of years.
• New China: The Xi Jinping China is bossy, socially conservative and all controlling. It is an authoritarian giant. It is disruptive. Maoist fanaticism was a different thing altogether.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) Explain the approach of Xi Jinping in bringing control over his New China. (2) Why do Communists attack ancient traditions? What is the logic? (3) In what way can the Cultural Revolution of 1960s-70s be assessed in today's context? Explain.

Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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