Living in a country full of so many choices sometimes blinds us to the world around us. The countries in this current time, and throughout history that suppressed the people in order to keep control. Though we do not live in a perfect nation, there are still many protections that we are blessed to have. This became ever so apparent when reading the Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang.
The story of the red scarf girl is told by, and about Ji-Li Jiang, and how when she was growing up in Communist China her family was blacklisted for things that were beyond their control. As Ji-Li progressed towards middle school, she had always worked hard in her education, and had many accomplishments. These were scoffed at as during the cultural revolution of General Mao there were family secrets uncovered that made the entire Jiang clan to be considered a black family.
Throughout the book we see how Ji-Li struggles as her allegiance to her family, and her allegiance to her country collide. Horrendous posters that slander her character are posted as she struggles to keep going strong as her classmates stay strong against the four-olds. This is General Mao’s idea to get rid of old ideas, old customs, old culture, and old habits. Many times in the book we see that people at this time did not seem to have a choice, and yet they did. They had two choices: “to slander a good teacher, or to be labeled an enemy of the people.” This would go as far as to tell people what they could wear, what professions they could have, and where they had to go to school. It seems like more of a fantasy story if we did not know that it had been true.
Many people at this time who found their families to be unworthy of the new “forward” movement, would denounce their family, and change their name. A decision that Ji-Li wrestled with throughout the book. If you were put into a position to either denouce your family, or to be ridiculed, shamed, and not allowed the same opportunities as others, would you?
“Without a sound legal system, a small group or even a single person can take control of an entire country.”
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang.
Great review! What a terrible choice to have to make, and yet it is so common. All legal systems have weaknesses and flaws, but we are very blessed to live in a democracy regardless. Huge wake-up call when we read stories like Ji-Li Jiang’s.
A similar book I read this summer called Wild Swans: Three Daughter of China. It went through the lives and experiences, the ups and downs of precommunist China on up through Maos death. It wasn’t a pretty story but very eye opening. I’m grateful to be an American!
I think this is a great question, I would like to think that I would denounce a country before I denounce my family. I also know that when you live and grow up in a country like that, and that is all you know, how else can you act? What an interesting read, thank you for sharing!
Sounds like a great book! What a powerful question that you end with! I like to think I would keep my name if it were just me, but I would have a much more difficult time doing so if I witnessed a negative impact on my children. It would be tough for sure!
Wow, never heard of this book. I’d denounce my country first. Blood first always.