New podcast #46 and this week's China news brief
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Podcast
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In this episode we talk about the violence that gripped the Chinese nation at the height of the Cultural Revolution. We discuss the difference between the brutality that took place in the cities, which was mainly perpetrated by Red Guards and affected culture as much as people, and the countryside, which pitted neighbour against neighbour.
Music clips are from "The East is Red" and "We Walk on the Great Road".
Apparently I keep hitting my microphone throughout this episode, which are what that hollow sounding noise is. I need a better set up...
00:00 Clip from the song "The East Is Red"
00:18 Introduction
4:47 Red guards in the cities
9:10 The revolution in Shanghai
21:14 The revolution in the countryside
35:15 The impact of the violence on China and the Cultural Revolution
40:08 Outro
News
In a bit of personal news, I recently gave a talk at Sherburn High School in Leeds about the relevance of China’s history in modern politics and society. This is something that I’m looking to do more regularly, so if you’re a teacher or a student and would like me to give a talk at your school, get in touch at info@sinobabble.com.
If you want to know whether or not I was any good, you can ask Head of History Kristian Shanks on Twitter!
BBC, Backlash as US billionaire dismisses Uyghur abuse: Dismissive comments and a weak apology by billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya on goings-on in Xinjiang have drawn internet ire, especially from those who are worried about the possibility of genocide in the region.
News.com.au, Anger in China as Keanu Reeves joins benefit concert for Tibet: A man that everybody likes has somehow managed to upset China, proving that no one is safe.
Sixth Tone, Officials ‘Deliberately’ Hid Deaths During Henan Floods, Report Finds: After reporting of the devastating July floods that ravaged the city of Zhengzhou was suppressed, it has now been revealed that hundreds of unreported deaths could have been prevented.
The Economist How Chinese propaganda films became watchable: Patriotic films are becoming more popular in China, especially among the youth. Casting popular Chinese celebs and banning Hollywood blockbusters are just some of the tactics the party is using to promote their films.
What’s on Weibo, Shaanxi Domestic Violence Incident Caught on Home Security Camera, Sparks Online Outrage: Shocking footage of a man beating his wife in front of his child has caused debate on Chinese social media, with some arguing that both parties were at fault. The man’s light sentence has also spurred a movement to change China’s domestic violence legal code, so perpetrators will be more harshly punished.
WSJ, China Looks to Secure Supplies as Strains With U.S. and Its Allies Grow: China is continuing on its path to self-reliance, and the world is starting to notice.