An interesting article on China. "Modern-day Maoists worry Chinese authorities"

[white_wolf]

I saw this on another forum and thought I would share it with you all as I found it rather interesting, since I've often questioned the wisdom of capitalist China keeping the images of Mao around. Anyway I'm looking forward to hearing what you all think about this. Full link here: http://observers.france24.com/content/20110923-china-modern-day-maoists-worry-authorities-commemoration-unrest-taiyuan

For this new generation of Maoists, the Chinese Communist Party has betrayed their leader’s roots by succumbing to capitalism and world trade. As a result foreign companies have been allowed to run amok in China, exploiting the country’s low-paid workers and wreaking havoc on the environment. In today's China, where disparities between groups are rapidly growing, Maoists are attracting an ever-growing following among the poor and working classes, which have been hard hit by unemployment and inflation. Their growing popularity, however, has also drawn the wrath of local authorities.

Though he has been gone for over 30 years, Mao’s legacy is still controversial. His supporters mainly remember the progress made under his rule, from 1949 to 1976 – rapid industrialisation, improved literacy, lower death rates… Yet they overlook the era’s darker chapters.

Mao imposed a Soviet-style rule on China, with a one-party system and economic collectivism. His vision of a ‘great leap forward’ is widely considered to have had catastrophic effects, leading to one of the biggest famines in the country’s history. In 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution to ‘purge’ the party of its ‘political enemies’. Overall, Mao’s rule is believed to be one of the deadliest periods in Chinese history, with an estimated 50 to 70 million deaths.

[DonCoquixote]

1. Mao is like George Washington

You can say he was the only person that could have founded his nation, but also, that things such as slavery cannot, under any circumstances, be allowed to survive. We praise the hero, but hate the slaveowner. Of course, Geroge was wise enough NOT to remain in charge for too long, which Mao failed to do. Had Mao left after 8 years, it is likely history would have seen him in a MUCH better light.

[white_wolf]

2. I think so too.

Despite my feelings on Maoist theory itself, I can't deny that Mao the man did do some good things for China, but the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution really damaged his legacy.