Impact and Legacy of the Cultural Revolution
Professor Xu Youyu, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Scholar in Residence, The New School.

Thursday, October 13th, 4:00-5:30 PM
80 Fifth Ave (#529), The New School

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the launching of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. The “cultural” revolution was full of violence and suppression, and shrouded in conspiracy. It stunned the world and lasted 10 years. However, the topic has been a taboo in discourse and academic studies in China. The seminar series, attempting to address some of the crucial questions concerning the movement, is comprised of four parts, with each part focusing on a different theme. The speaker will deal with key controversies surrounding each theme and develop his own positions.

Impact and Legacy of the Cultural Revolution:  Was the Cultural Revolution a period of great democracy or anti-democracy? Why do Mao’s former loyal followers fight for democracy? Do Chinese today condemn the Cultural Revolution, or view it with some nostalgia?