America Is Following in China’s Footsteps. Here’s How We Stop It.

TL;DR

The author compares the Cultural Revolution in China 50 years ago to the current situation in the United States, highlighting similarities in the manipulation of public opinion, indoctrination of youth, and suppression of dissenting voices.

Transcript

shortly after George Floyd died Memorial Day Weekend 2020 people began to say that what was happening in the United States bore some resemblance to what happened in China 50 years ago the cultural revolution with red guards and struggle sessions Public humiliations public atonements a kind of secular frenzy that looked very much like a hate-- cente... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧔 The Cultural Revolution in China bears similarity to the current situation in the US, with manipulation of public opinion, indoctrination of youth, and suppression of dissenting voices.
• ✊ Mao orchestrated the Cultural Revolution to regain absolute power within the CCP by rallying tens of millions of indoctrinated young people to defend him and communism.
• ✊ The violence during the Cultural Revolution escalated from public humiliation to murder, with the Red Guards targeting teachers, administrators, and anyone deemed a threat to Mao's power.
• 🐎 Critical race theory and identity politics in the US echo the divide and control tactics used during the Cultural Revolution in China.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the author first realize that something strange and important was happening during the Cultural Revolution in China?

The author recalls seeing big character posters denouncing others everywhere overnight, and witnessing public demonstrations and struggles against teachers and administrators. The sudden change and prevalence of propaganda made her realize that something significant was happening.

Q: Why did Mao launch the Cultural Revolution against his own party and government?

Mao initiated the Cultural Revolution as a power struggle within the CCP. He believed that he was losing influence and sought to regain absolute power. Instead of relying on the army, he indoctrinated tens of millions of young people to defend him and communism.

Q: How did the Red Guards go from carrying slogans and engaging in public humiliations to killing people during the Cultural Revolution?

The violence escalated simultaneously with the initial stage. While the red guards initially targeted public figures and institutions, the killing started as early as August 1966, when a group of young girls brutally beat, tortured, and killed their principal. The author also experienced attacks and witnessed killings in other schools and universities, showing the progression from public humiliation to murder.

Q: Did the author's family or anyone else speak out against the violence and atrocities during the Cultural Revolution?

The author explains that nobody could speak out against the violence and atrocities because Mao openly supported the Red Guards. Mao had rallies with the red guards, proclaiming himself as their commander-in-chief. Dissent was not allowed, and any form of resistance was met with severe consequences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author, Shan Fleet, experienced both the Cultural Revolution in China and now resides in America. She draws parallels between the two, highlighting the public humiliation, indoctrination of youth, and suppression of dissenting opinions.

• In China, the Cultural Revolution saw the rise of the Red Guards, who targeted their own people and institutions, instilling a hate-centered religious fervor.

• The author warns that the current situation in the United States is reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution in China, with the indoctrination of critical race theory and the suppression of opposing viewpoints.