ChinaTalk Land Wars: China's Agrarian Revolution
Aug 26, 2020
In this discussion, Brian DeMare, a Tulane professor and author, delves into the turbulent history of China's land reform movement. He explores how Mao's vision galvanized millions of peasants, only to result in violent outcomes. Key topics include the moral complexities faced by reformers, local power dynamics, and the influence of historical narratives on revolutionary perceptions. DeMare also sheds light on the concept of Fanshen and its broader implications, encouraging researchers to engage with the intricate legacy of agrarian struggles in China.
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Local Cadres and Power Dynamics
- Local cadres were crucial for understanding local society, but work teams were wary of their potential collusion with landlords.
- Local cadres were often motivated by self-interest and abused their power for personal gain.
Organizing and 'Speaking Bitterness'
- The party's strategy involved identifying the poorest villagers, understanding their hardships, and focusing their resentment onto 'exploiters'.
- This 'speaking bitterness' process was used to channel anger towards specific targets within the village.
Class Labels and Xi Zhongshun's Perspective
- Maoist class labels were alien to the countryside, which had existing social divisions based on wealth and status.
- Xi Zhongshun, Xi Jinping's father, recognized that poverty wasn't solely due to exploitation, challenging Mao's romanticized view.
