Best blog post, second semester

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Will & Jeremy's Life in 1955 China Post

Dear Diary,
My name is Xiao Hun. I am a 30 year old woman, with a husband and 8 year old son, who lives on a farm just outside of Beijing. Recently, Chairman Mao has made new plans for our country. He has taken away many civil rights from the people, and nationalized all agriculture. Now, my family and I must work very hard to please Chairman Mao with all the grain that he demands. Mao has also started plans to industrialize our country, similar to the Soviet's 5 Year Plan. He plans to follow in the Soviet's footsteps to lead our country into the future. Although Mao has taken away many of our rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press, he recognizes women's rights, and is making strides towards equality between men and women. He tells all women to be strong, and encourages us to fight in the army, and rebel against non-revolutionaries. There are some setbacks to living under Mao's rule, he is a great leader with good intentions, and although life is hard, Mao helps my family and I prosper and live happy lives.

Day in 1955 (Claudia and David)

1955: Beijing:

Today, I saw a film made by government. This film featured Mao explaining his policies to the people. He said in this video that he wanted to emulate the Soviet system of government. He said that their economy was ideal, and that he was going to implement the policies that Stalin implemented. Having read some of Stalin's policies, I know that these include five year plans and a generally planned economy. Apparently, the Soviet Union is very open to women involving themselves in society (almost equal to men). The Communists, differing from the Nationalists, want to eliminate all political and civil freedoms, such as freedom of the press. Today, the newspaper that I read was completely propagandized, and the Communist government clearly dictated its contents. This definitely is along the lines of the Soviet example. I was informed today that my grain produce doubled this year! This could only be attributed to the Communist takeover in China. I am very happy that the Communists have taken over in this great nation, for now we can progress toward social equality and economic freedom!

小本字

1967
Today in school, I learned about the great Chairman Mao, again. My teacher also talked about preparing for the revolution, and how we, as students, should read Mao's pamphlets in order to understand and apply his ideas. I also learned about the terrible Westerners and how they discriminate against people of different ethnic backgrounds. My teacher is constantly telling us how great Mao is and how privileged we are to be his followers.

I am looking forward to summer vacation because I get to experience my first job at a factory. I am also hoping to meet others who share the passion for labor that I have. We, as the people of China, must work to help the cause. Mao believes that it is essential to work as one, unified country.

Finally, I'm also excited for the frequent Communist Youth Meetings I'm going to attend. It is an opportunity to meet other fellow young-communists like myself, who also want to help the cause as much as I do. My parents think Mao is great and that he will help our country.

－權珍

1955
We are not so sure about Mao Zedong taking over China. He does not seem qualified for the job and we, as new parents, are unsure as to how this will affect our lives. Being a middle class family, we are concerned about how our work will be laid out if Mao takes over. We accept Mao's Marxist-Leninist views, but he doesn't seem to heading in the right direction economically speaking.

Jason & C.J.

Dear Journal,

It is 1955 and we live outside the city of Beijing. My name is Wang Tangjing and my wife is pregnant. With the redistribution of land, we can finally have a decent farm. Under Mao, China has been flourishing. He supports China's peasantry and is restoring China to its former glory. We fought valiantly against the Americans during the Korean War. Mao will lead us to further prosperity and uplift the peasants. Mao believes that with out great numbers, we can even move mountains. Our future seems brighter than ever before.

Dear Journal,

It is the year 1967 in Beijing. My name is Wang Xiaoming and I am 15 years old. Every time I step outside, I see the sun and think of Mao. Everywhere I turn, I see the "Four Olds" being destroyed. Mao is demolishing the evil past that binds us down. We, the students, are commended for helping with this effort, and we are breaking the chains of the past to allow China's further development. One day, as we were destroying an old temple, I saw one of our past teachers being paraded down the street with a dunce cap. He spoke treasonous lies against the Communist Party and Great Mao himself. Mao compares it to sweeping the floors. He says, "As a rule, where the broom does not reach, the dust will not vanish of itself." We must actively fight against the evil and do our part in "sweeping the floors." I myself am now a proud soldier of the Red Guard. I keep my little red book near to my heart, for Mao's greatness can even cure the deaf and mute.

Nick and leah's Chinese Girl Diary: 1955

Dear Diary,
It has been a few years since Mao has taken over, and he has done many things for the peasants. Although I know some people who don't like him, they are rich, while I am a peasant and understand Mao's policies. Mao write a lot about how the peasants should be in power, instead of the rich bourgeois. Not only has Mao championed peasants, but he is also a supporter of equal rights. Mao is sending numerous people away for "reeducation" because they are capitalists, and therefore evil. I am a peasant so I am safe, and Mao wants to help my family and I. I predict great and prosperous times for the future.
小 餃子