Could the Cultural Revolution happen again in China? Possible, but let’s hope not!
It is my hope that with the unusual development of a “middle class” in China may help prevent that possibility. Prior to current day, it seems China was comprised of the have and the have not, a scenario that did lot provide for a middle class.
It seems that the developing middle class of China, comprised of homeowners and young professional, are starting to become more vocal in their disapproval through a “quiet, meticulous revolt” (“Shanghai's Middle Class Launches Quiet, Meticulous Revolt”, published in the Washington Post) of some of the plans of the Communist Party. They have resisted the expansion of a high-speed train in Shanghai due to the noise impact it would have on the area in which they live.
A group residents in Xiamen preceded the Shanghai middle class in their actions. The Xiamen middle class rejected the development of a chemical plant based on the environmental impact the plant would have.
Both groups have won small victories in disrupting the Party’s Plan throught educate research and pleading their case. As long as the people of China, namely the middle class, are willing to challenge the government on a foundation of knowledge and peaceful demonstrations, history should not repeat itself. Let's only hope that these revolts remain quiet, but affective and do not follow the violent path of the Cultural Revolution as designed by Mao.
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I agree with you that it is possible another event like the Cultural Revolution could happen in China, but like you and the majority of people, hope something like this never happens again in China.
Your "hope" for the development of the middle class to continue to grow and voice their opinions, points out that there are middle thinkers who can and will use their knowledge to hopefully shield abuse. Also, as I read the article that you cited from the Washington Post, I found it interesting when they stated that the middle class' "awareness of their individual rights has grown along with their prosperity." Hopefully an awareness of people's individual rights can continue to spread to all people in China, regardless of their prosperity.
I agree with you, Angie. The recent development of a solid middle class in many urban centers around China has mitigated the possibility that a mass movement similar to the Cultural Revolution could break out.
It’s not impossible, mind you, but it’s not really likely at this point.
I wish I did agree with you, Angie. I sure hope the middle class continues to grow. However, so much of what I read has talked about the growing divide between the rich and poor. We're seeing the same divide in our own country. Whereas in most countries, there are forums for debate and peaceful regime change, from what I see (so far, and I'll know more by the end of the course), there doesn't seem to be that outlet in China. The Chinese version of capitalism (and means of production) is still largely state controlled, and popular dissent to change that isn't exactly encouraged. I've read a number of articles (BBC, Radio Free Europe, Washington Post, etc. - which admittedly have a Western perspective) that talk about periodic uprisings in the countryside by farmers unhappy with state policy. Although contained to narrow geographic areas, the numbers involved are fairly large (several thousand people). They tend to be like brushfires, burning quickly until they are put out by riot or paramilitary units. However, unless the government does something to minimize the economic divide, I think a strong leader could foment another revolution.
Angie, I think you have a good point about the middle class emerging. It is probably the single most encouraging aspect of this questionj that I can think of. I have posted a less optimistic perspective - it is good to see ways that my own perspective might be wrong. Steve
Thanks for posting a comment on my blog, Angie, about this same topic. (I hadn't realized that my blog had disappeared from the directory). I think the technology aspect is also fascinating, with the use of text messaging and YouTube to contact people and share their actions. Given the government's frequent crackdowns on the Internet I wonder if these methods will also be squelched.
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