Author: Brian Marcus (Miao Bing Rong)

In 1977, as the Cultural Revolution came to an end, we, the Comrade reporters who have witnessed decades of tumultuous change in the People’s Republic of China, reflect on the impact of this monumental period on our nation. While we continue to mourn the loss of our beloved Chairman Mao, we also share the collective relief that the oppressive reign of the Gang of Four has come to an end.

One of the key goals of the Cultural Revolution was to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas of China. The idea was to diminish the disparities in living standards, education, and access to resources between these two distinct segments of the population. To achieve this goal, various policies and movements were initiated during the Cultural Revolution.

Land Reform, which had begun before the Cultural Revolution, aimed to redistribute land from landowners to the peasants, thereby reducing inequality in rural areas. The Cultural Revolution reinvigorated this process and sought to empower peasants by encouraging them to speak out against oppressive landlords. In some cases, it was successful in reducing the concentration of landownership and wealth, though the results were mixed and often depended on local conditions.

The “Down to the Countryside Movement” was another significant policy during the Cultural Revolution. It involved sending educated urban youth to rural areas to learn from peasants and contribute to agricultural production. This was intended to not only narrow the urban-rural gap but also to cultivate revolutionary successors among the youth. Many urban youth were indeed sent to the countryside, and they experienced life and work on farms firsthand. Some of them gained a greater understanding of the challenges faced by rural populations and the importance of agricultural labor.

However, the success of this effort also varied. While some urban youth were positively impacted and learned valuable life lessons, many faced hardships and struggled to adapt to the grueling rural lifestyle. In some cases, the program disrupted their education and personal development. The extent to which it closed the urban-rural gap and created revolutionary successors is a matter of debate.

In conclusion, the Cultural Revolution did make efforts to address the disparities between urban and rural areas and sought to create revolutionary successors from the urban youth. However, its success in achieving these goals was mixed, with both positive and negative outcomes. As China moves into a new phase of its history, we, as veteran reporters, leave the task of further analysis and reflection to the younger generations. The legacy of the Cultural Revolution remains complex and multifaceted, and only time will reveal its lasting impact on our great nation.

Comrade Leader and Fellow Citizens,

I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a humble spirit, acknowledging my grave errors and misguided actions. As a reporter, entrusted with the responsibility to convey the truth, I regrettably allowed my judgment to falter, leading me to speak out against the Communist Party of China, the very cornerstone of our great nation.

In my pursuit of truth, I lost sight of the collective vision that has guided our country towards prosperity and unity. I failed to recognize the unwavering dedication of our Party and its leaders, especially our esteemed Chairman Mao, whose wisdom has illuminated our path.

I now understand the gravity of my actions and the impact they have had on our society. My words sowed seeds of doubt, inadvertently creating divisions among us. I failed to uphold the principles of unity, harmony, and socialism that our Party stands for. For this, I sincerely apologize to all my fellow citizens and especially to the Party, which I hold in the highest regard.

Through self-reflection and the teachings of our Party, I have come to realize the errors of my ways. I have learned that true progress can only be achieved through unwavering loyalty to our Party and its leadership. I have been selfish, but now I realize “The people who have triumphed in their own revolution should help those still struggling for liberation” (Mao, August 8, 1963). My outspoken distaste with the Chinese Communist Party was not directed at the party per-say, but it was my content with my life that led me a stray from helping others with their revolution. 

I have committed myself to rectifying my thoughts and actions, embracing the ideology by following in the footsteps of Lei Feng and become more providing to the people that need it most.

I am grateful for this opportunity to correct my mistakes and reaffirm my allegiance to the Communist Party of China. I pledge to intensify my efforts in serving our nation, promoting the Party’s core values, and standing as a staunch defender of our collective ideals.

May my self-criticism serve as a testament to my dedication to the cause of socialism and the continued prosperity of our great motherland.

Yours humbly and faithfully,

Miao Bing Rong 

In the wake of the Great Leap Forward, China finds itself at a critical juncture, facing the repercussions of ambitious policies gone awry. As a reporter stationed in Beijing, I aim to shed light on the most significant consequences of this period, offering insights into the challenges that lie ahead.

The Great Leap Forward’s goal for rapid industrialization led to a misallocation of resources, disrupting agricultural practices. Communes and backyard furnaces diverted labor and resources away from farming, causing a severe decline in agricultural output. This crisis has left millions hungry and struggling, with widespread food shortages amplifying the suffering of the rural people. Tragically, the consequences of the Great Leap Forward are written in the faces of the people. Famine has claimed the lives of millions, making this period one of the deadliest in human history. Families have been torn apart, communities decimated, and the nation’s social fabric strained to its limits. The toll on human life and dignity is immeasurable. I have seen sights that I thought I would never see. I have experienced people eating the deceased in order to get proper nourishment. I’ve seen babies left deformed from a lack of nourishment.  People are even eating dirt to fill their bellies with something. 

The social fabric of our society is unraveling. Once bound by shared traditions and mutual support, communities are now torn apart by hunger and desperation. The dispossessed roam the land, searching for sustenance and hope. Refugee camps spring up on the outskirts of cities, housing those who have been driven from their homes by famine. The sense of belonging that once defined our communities is replaced by a haunting emptiness.

Internationally, the repercussions of the Great Leap Forward have not gone unnoticed. China’s image as a rising power has been tarnished, and diplomatic challenges loom large. Rebuilding trust and credibility on the global stage will be daunting, requiring a careful and strategic approach to international relations.

Where decisions shaping the fate of millions are made, Mao’s advisors had reportedly advised a more cautious approach. They argued that the ambitious targets set for agricultural and industrial growth were unrealistic, warning that the hurried pace risked the stability of our society. These advisors, seasoned veterans of the revolution, saw the potential for disaster, urging Mao to consider the well-being of the people before racing ahead.

In conclusion, the aftermath of the Great Leap Forward paints a portrait of a nation at a crossroads. The mistakes made during this time were extreme, profoundly shaping China’s future. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the Chinese people have a sense of resilience and determination. It is a moment of reckoning, a time for introspection, and a call for transformative change. 

-Miao Bing Rong

A monumental transformation is underway in the heart of China. The CCP has embarked on a colossal endeavor to reshape the agricultural landscape through a mass land reform campaign. This initiative, characterized by its scale and enthusiasm, is not merely an administrative act but a calculated strategic move by the CCP. As a journalist present at this pivotal moment in history, I must dissect the motivations behind this choice and explore its implications on Chinese society.

At first glance, the decision to implement land reform as a mass campaign appears rooted in the CCP’s playbook. Mass campaigns have been a hallmark of the Chinese communist regime, with their ability to mobilize and control large populations. By turning land reform into a nationwide movement, the CCP aims to instill unity and purpose among its people. The mobilization efforts create a collective consciousness and serve as a platform for ideological indoctrination. Through vigorous campaigns, the Party propagates its core tenets of communism, emphasizing principles of joint ownership and class struggle. In doing so, the CCP garners popular support and allegiance, ensuring the success of the reform agenda.

Moreover, the mass campaign strategy allows the CCP to maintain a firm grip on the reform process. By involving the masses directly, the Party exerts control over the narrative surrounding land reform and instills a type of self-policing throughout China. This control extends beyond mere policymaking; it affects the nation’s collective consciousness, shaping public opinion and garnering legitimacy for the Party’s actions. Through widespread participation, the CCP not only furthers its political objectives but also consolidates its authority, reinforcing its central role in the lives of the Chinese people.

However, as with any sweeping social transformation, the mass land reform campaign has challenges and consequences. The immediate benefit lies in creating a more equitable land distribution, addressing long-standing land ownership disparity issues. Families that were once landless now find themselves with the means to cultivate their fields, ushering in a newfound sense of economic stability and security. The campaign also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and collective purpose, bolstering social cohesion and strengthening community bonds.

Yet, this mass mobilization has its pitfalls. The sheer scale of the campaign often leads to hasty decision-making, resulting in the misallocation of resources and, at times, inefficient land use. Moreover, the ideological fervor accompanying mass campaigns can sometimes blind the regime to the nuanced realities on the ground, leading to policies that might not be conducive to sustainable agricultural practices. These challenges, if unaddressed, could undermine the goals the CCP seeks to achieve.

Furthermore, the mass campaign strategy reveals a central danger: the potential suppression of dissenting voices. Individual opinions and concerns might be stifled in the enthusiasm of collective action, creating a monolithic narrative that silences alternative perspectives. This suppression raises concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the freedom of expression, essential components of a healthy society.

In conclusion, as I witness this historic moment, it is clear that the CCP’s choice to implement land reform as a mass campaign is a complicated and multi-stepped strategy. While it seeks to achieve commendable goals regarding equitable land distribution and social cohesion, it also raises important questions about individual freedoms and the potential pitfalls of hasty decision-making. As the campaign unfolds, the world holds its breath, recognizing the significance of this endeavor in shaping the future trajectory of the world’s most populous nation.

-Miao Bing Rong

Greetings from Yenan!

I am currently in the remote and desolate corner of northern Shaanxi province known as Yenan. This location has become the epicenter of a revolutionary movement led by the CCP, and is extremely open to new sympathizers. Today, we look into the reason why Yenan is so attractive to so many people and explore why so many are flocking to this place despite its challenging conditions.

Yenan acts as a sanctuary of stability in a nation torn apart by war and foreign invasion. It is the temporary headquarters of the CCP, and the CCP claims to provide security for those who have seen their lives shattered by the ongoing chaos tearing through China. The CCP’s promise of land reform and protection for peasants resonates deeply with those seeking refuge from the horrors of Japanese occupation and the political instability that plagues the rest of the country. This promise rings throughout China, and people who are unable to protect themselves, rely on the CCP’s protection from foreign invaders. Also, many people find Mao to be very charismatic and he comes across as a strong yet generous leader. During times of crisis, it is human nature to stick by someone who is like that. 

In Yenan, ideology becomes a powerful magnet. The CCP’s vision for a more equitable society, based on principles of land redistribution and social equality, captures the hearts and minds of people from diverse backgrounds. It offers hope in a world marred by injustice and oppression, drawing in individuals who dream of a fairer and more just China. Along with this, many people didn’t really have a choice to come to Yenan. The CCP was not forcing them to come to Yenan with them, but with all the chaos happening in China, their two choices were either following the CCP to their “sanctuary city,” or dying. I don’t know about you, but the choice would be pretty easy for me. 

The people who are able to fight back against the Japanese invasion also want to travel to Yenan. They have seen how well the Red Army’s Guerrilla war tactics are working against the invaders and believe the best chance they have to fight against the Japanese is by fighting with the Red Army.  

Many women also find Yenan a great place to flee to. Women have always been restricted to caring for their family and the house. However, in Yenan, while the men are busy fighting the Japanese and the Nationalist party, the women play an integral role in the survival of the people in Yenan. The women are expected to do agricultural work,  produce textiles, and sew since these tasks are no longer able to be done by men. Women would also create things like clothing and blankets for the army. Many women for years have felt very useless due to their low status in society, however, now they are able to contribute to the success of their society. This type of opportunity became very attractive to many women longing for a purpose. 

Yenan is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of revolutionary ideals. Despite the challenges and hardships that come with life in this remote location, people from all walks of life are drawn here by the promise of a better future for China. 

Sincerely,

Miao Bing Rong

Hello readers, 

I have been tasked with explaining why so many Chinese people are siding with the newly formed CCP (Chinese Communist Party). I have looked deeply into the CCP’s ideologies and found many reasons why people find this new way of thinking attractive. The CCP not only promises to create a more assertive China economically and promises that people will be freed from the oppressive natures of the classical Chinese culture. The CCP appeals to people like young women and peasants to help gain popularity throughout China. 

Young women are becoming increasingly interested in what the CCP has to offer. Throughout China’s history, women were seen as inferior to men and are expected to do whatever the man in charge tells them to do. Women have basically no rights, which became evident to me when I saw my sisters get shipped off like cattle to their new husbands. I remember my sisters pleading with my father not to make them live with these people they barely knew. I also recall my sister, who is only a year older than me, be forced into participating in foot binding. My father would insist that if she did not bind her feet, no man would want her. My Father is not a cruel man, but he is a realist and knows that this is what it takes to be an appealing bride. All I could think about at the time is how grateful I felt that I was not a woman. This is not something unique to my family; women all around China spent their whole lives being commanded what to do by their fathers, husbands, and even brothers. Women grew frustrated and felt wronged by the system, and when Mao and other members of the CCP began talking about equal rights for women, they jumped at the opportunity to support them. I was able to interview a woman who is arranged to get married to an older man and get her thoughts on the topic. The woman says, “People told me if I joined the revolution, I would have my freedom. That I could choose who I wanted to marry. Well, if I didn’t join, I’d have to marry this man who was over 30. So I thought if revolution could save me from this, I would join” [China: A Century of Revolution, China in Revolution, 28:45]. I can sympathize with this woman. Here she is as a young woman with the potential to become anything in life but she is being forced to throw that potential away to marry a man she barely knows. Even as a man, I can fully understand the appeal of what the CCP claims they will do for women; it would be life-changing. The CCP believes we are wasting half of the population by not letting women work and rendering them almost immobile by binding their feet. The CCP wishes to treat women like people have treated men for all of China’s history. 

The CCP wasn’t only attractive to women; many peasant factory workers and farmers also find their message inspiring. Many of these people barely have enough money to survive and feel exploited for their labor. However, Mao and the CCP claim that these people are not destined to be poor, but because of foreign influences exploiting their labor, they can not survive off of their current paycheck. Mao believes that peasant farmers and factory workers are the backbone of China because they are the country’s primary form of production and labor. When peasants hear this type of talk from the CCP’s leader, they feel like someone finally had their best interests at heart. 

In conclusion, there is massive support for the CCP and what they stand for. People finally feel that a party is fighting for them and believe Mao is the answer to many of their problems.

Sincerely,

Miao Bing Rong

Hello all. My name is Miao Bing Rong I was born in 1910 on November 28 and I am Currently in my second year of college at Shanghai University. I come from a very large family. I have five older sisters and two younger brothers. I don’t see much of my older sisters due to them living with their husbands families. My grandparents died before I was born so I never got the chance to meet them, but my father would tell me stories of my grandfathers strength and toughness, and my grandmothers kindness and generosity. Moving on, my two younger brothers, my Mother, and my Father and I live right outside Shanghai in a small village called Qing Ziang. Qing Ziang is a poor farming village where my father works as a rice farmer. I grew up very poor and the only reason I am able to attend college is because my father sold all five of my sisters to their husbands who happened to come from much wealthier families. My mother spends her days taking care of the house and my baby brother. I am proud to say that I am the first member of my family to attend college and my brothers will follow in my footsteps. Not many people from my village are able to attend college, and because of that, many men from my village have offered their daughters up to me for marriage. However, I feel now is not the time to be worried about marriage, that will come after I conclude my studies.

At Shanghai University I am studying politics and one day hope to be a high ranking officer for the Chinese military. I have always wanted to bring pride to not only my family, but to all of china and I believe that this path will help me achieve that goal. However, at this time in my life I believe reporting on events occurring all across China will not only be helpful to people, but I believe that my writings will become an absolute necessity to people rich and poor to help understand what is truly going on in china in the coming years. My whole life has brought me to this point and I will not let my family and the people of china be disappointed.

Miao Bing Rong