Propaganda

[Ann Huynh]

In the illustration, Mao Zedong is shown larger than the rest of the people, creating a godlike image.  On his arm is a red badge.  During this time, China was going through the Cultural Revolution because Mao wanted to consolidate his power.  He felt that the founding party members were too privileged and moving away from their ideologies.  He also wanted to get rid of party members who disagree with him so he rallied impressionable youths in China to rebel against their teachers and elders.  This propaganda is an example of how the youths in China got swept up and involved in this decade long revolution with the hope of creating a more pure Communist ideological regime.  The caption was "Follow Chairman Mao and advance through the wind and the waves."  Nothing will stop them as long as they follow their Chairman and what he said.  Therefore, a lot of the youths in the illustrations were holding the little red book, showing Mao's writings and speeches.  Many youths believed that Chairman Mao will create this new utopian society.   Instead, millions died and many family members turned against their own.

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[Matthew Wong]

The image shows men and women, of various backgrounds and occupations, looking optimistically and ahead. 

This propaganda poster refers to the model of the Da Zhai city people. Under the leadership of a Communist Party activist, Chen Yong Gui, Da Zhai was transformed their area into an agricultural success. Mao sought to use this example to motivate other areas of China to follow Da Zhai City's leader. 

Da Zhai is located in Shanxi Province. More information about this propaganda poster can be found here: https://chineseposters.net/themes/dazhai.php.

I think this is a cool assignment for high school students. Students can research the examples of the propanganda they chose or was given to them, share their ideas, and discuss with a small group. 

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