The Fifth-Seventieth Ethnicity: A Commentary on When the Autumn is Cool
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Introduction:
In his latestwork, When the Autumn is Cool, veteran revolutionary and author Gu Zheng-hua, writing under the pen name Ugly Cow, explores the complexities of contemporary China.The second volume of this seven-part series, The Fifth-Seventieth Ethnicity, delves into the phenomenon of petitioners, a group often marginalized and misunderstood.This essay will examine Gu’s analysis of this unique social group, highlighting its significance and offering a historical perspective.
The Rise of the Petitioners:
Gu Zheng-hua, a veteran of the New Fourth Army with over 50 years of party membership, begins his exploration by recounting a personal encounter with a leaflet titled Petition for Constitutional Resistance Against Black Forces and Persecution. The leaflet declared its authors to be the newly emerged, distinctive fifty-seventh ethnicity ofChina – the Petitioners. This seemingly outlandish claim, while initially dismissed by Gu, becomes the focal point of his investigation.
Through his observations and interactions with petitioners across China, Gu argues that this self-proclaimed fifty-seventh ethnicity is a real and growing phenomenon. He presents a collection of stories,each highlighting the plight of individuals who have turned to petitioning as a last resort, seeking redress for grievances ranging from land disputes to official corruption.
The Legacy of Mao Zedong:
Gu’s analysis draws heavily on the legacy of Mao Zedong, who, in a 1956 speech,famously declared his support for mass protests, stating, I’m not afraid of people taking to the streets, even if it’s hundreds of thousands. Some people seem to think that once they’ve gained power, they can sit back and rule with an iron fist. Such people deserve to be criticized,even stoned. Sometimes, only force can solve problems. Communists need to learn from these lessons.
Gu argues that the current approach to petitioners, often characterized by suppression and marginalization, stands in stark contrast to Mao’s vision. He criticizes the bureaucratic approach that has replaced Mao’semphasis on addressing the concerns of the people.
Conclusion:
The Fifth-Seventieth Ethnicity presents a compelling case for understanding the growing phenomenon of petitioners in China. Gu Zheng-hua’s analysis, grounded in personal experience and historical context, offers a critical perspective on the challenges facing contemporary China.His work serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the grievances of the people, a principle that lies at the heart of the Communist Party’s founding ideology.
References:
- Gu Zheng-hua, When the Autumn is Cool, Vol. 2: The Fifth-Seventieth Ethnicity
*Mao Zedong, Speech at the Second Session of the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of China, 1956.
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