Politics of Control: Creating Red Culture in the Early People's Republic of China

The Chinese Communist Party reshaped peoples minds using multiple methods of control in the early decades of the Peoples Republic of China, including mass media, book publishing, education, religion, parks, museums, and architecture. Documents show internal conflict between censors and editors, and the party-state developed community centers and urban parks to promote ethnic unity. Architecture and museums were used to promote ethnic unity, and the system was influenced by the Soviet Union but Chinese nationalism always took precedence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2021
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) employed a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to reshape the minds of the Chinese people during the early decades of the People's Republic of China. This study, titled "Politics of Control," delves into the various methods employed by the CCP to exert control over society. Through a unique interdisciplinary and cultural-institutional lens, the book explores the fascinating world of mass media, book publishing, education, religion, parks, museums, and architecture during the formative years of the republic.

When the Communists assumed power in 1949, they presented themselves as not only military victors but also as peace restorers and cultural protectors. They believed that they needed to manage culture in every arena, leading to the creation of an interlocking system of agencies and regulations that were supervised at the center. However, documents reveal that there was internal conflict within the CCP. Censors, initially introduced at the Beijing Daily, operated under the dual leadership of municipal-level editors but with final authorization from the Communist Party Propaganda Department.

Politics of Control takes a behind-the-scenes look at the offices where ideological differences between Party chairman Mao Zedong and head of state Liu Shaoqi played out. Pragmatic editors were often forced to erase their pencil marks and hope for the best, as they navigated the complex web of regulations and guidelines set forth by the CCP.

Book publishing followed a similar multi-tier system, with the CCP carefully monitoring and controlling the content that reached the public. The party-state also developed community centers that served as cultural propaganda stations, nurturing a new generation of Chinese revolutionaries. New urban parks were utilized for political rallies and public trials, where threatening sects could be attacked and suppressed.

Architecture played a significant role in shaping the CCP's control over society. The party-state commissioned architects to design buildings that reflected the party's ideology and promoted its values. These buildings, such as the Great Hall of the People and the Forbidden City, became symbols of the CCP's power and authority.

In conclusion, "Politics of Control" offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the CCP's methods of control during the early decades of the People's Republic of China. Through a rich blend of archival material, internal circulars, memoirs, interviews, and site visits, the book provides a deep understanding of the CCP's efforts to shape the minds and beliefs of the Chinese people. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese history and politics, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the CCP's control over society.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780824892609